
Class. ^^730 

Book. 

GcpightN" 



JV7 



conRicirr dkpobi£ 



Glimpses ^.^^ 

•3- 
OF 

Wales and the Welsh 



BY 



REV. R. E. WILLIAMS. 



"Their God they shall worship, 
Their language they shall retain, 
Their land they shall lose — 
Except Wild Wales." 

Ta lie sin, VI Century. 









Pittsburgh Printing Co ^Lp 

pittsburgh, pa. 



^J'^ 



-^v 



DEDICATED 

TO THE 

NATIONAL CYMKODOKION SOCIETYj 

To whose unselfish and indefatigable zeal was due the 

World's Pair International Eisteddfodj held at Chi- 

cagoj Illij in Septemberj 1893j which proved 

in some respects the greatest gathering 

of its kind ever held. 



S^j^ 



Table of Copte^ts. 



THE EARLY INHABITANTS OF BRITAIN. 

Antiquity of the Britons — Their Early Home — Western Migrations — 
British Civilization — Conclusions of Classical Writers — Their 
Government-Royalty — The Equestrian Order — The Druidic Order 
— Druidism — The People — Sturdy Warriors — Their Domestic Life 
— Their Commerce — Archaeological Remains — The Cromlechau. 

WELSH SCENERY. 

*' The airy upland and the woodland green, 

The valley and romantic mountain scene ; 

The lowly hermitage, or fair domain, 

The dell retired, or willow-shaded lane ; 

And every spot in sylvan beauty drest, 

And every landscape charms my youthful breast." 

Its Richness and Variety — Its nearly total Neglect by Tourists — 
How it has impressed Eminent Men of Letters — Ancient Castles — 
Welsh Summer Resorts — How the Critics have Missed it — Its 
Influence on Welsh Character. 



THE WELSH LANGUAGE. 

" Eu hiaith a gadwant." 

(Their language they shall retain.) 

Its Antiquity — Rich and Varied — The Ancient Tongue and English 
Coercion Laws — Richard John Davies — How it impresses For- 
eigners — Characteristics — Its Rejuvenation — Anecdote — Welsh and 
the Educational Code — Welsh in the Universities of Wales — Soci- 
eties for its Development — Welsh in Courts of Law — Welsh in 
St Paul's— Its Future. 

WELSH LITERATURE. 

" The Welsh are the only branch of the Celtic family who are able 
to greet this homage of the learned with a living literature." — Lord 
Bute. 



Its Antiquity — Ancient Welsh Poets — The Triads — The Mabinogion — 
Early Welsh Historians — The Laws of Howell the Good — Dafydd 
Ab Gwilym — Hugh Morris — Lewis Morris — Rev. W. Williams, 
Pantycelyn — Goronwy Owen — Rev, Rhys Pritchard — Rev, W. 
Rees, Hiraethog — A Welsh Englyn (Epigram) — Some Modern 
Welsh Literateurs. 

' THE WELSH PRESS. 

" The mightiest of the mighty means, 
On which the arm of progress leans, 
Man's noblest mission to advance, 
His woes assuage, his wants enhance. 
His rights enforce, his wrongs redress, 
The mightiest of them all, The Press." 

Its Wonderful Influence — The Welsh Press and Liberty — The Press 
and Modern Reforms — The Press and Religion — Welsh Newspa- 
pers and Magazines — The Welsh Editorial — A Welsh Reporter — 
Some Characteristics of Welsh Journalism — Welsh Publishers — 
Welsh Book Press. 

EDUCATION IN WALES. 

The Educational Idea — How they used to Teach the Young " Idee " to 
Shoot — Popular Idea of Education — Illustration — A New Era in 
Welsh Elementary Education — The Penny Bank — Intermediate 
Education — Welsh Universities — University Extension — Co-educa- 
tion in Wales — Physical Training — The Welsh Student — Industrial 
Training — The Welsh Educational System Ahead. 

THE EISTEDDFOD. 
" Happy the land where the birds live long," 
Hoary with Age — Its History — Eisteddfodic Anticipations — People you 
Meet there — The Pavilion — Bardic Congress — Conductors — Adjudi- 
cators — The Crowned Bard — The Vacant Chair — The Draped 
Chair — Is the Eisteddfod an Educator? — Will it Live? 

WELSH MUSIC AND MUSICIANS. 

" Mor o gan yw Cymru i gyd." 
(Wales is a Sea of Song.) 

" They who think music ranks amongst the trifles of existence are 
in gross error ; because from the beginning of the world down .to the 
present time it has been one of the most forcible instruments of 
training, for arousing and for governing the mind of man. — Gladstone . 



The Welsh a Musical Peopic — Ancient Welsh Music — The Welsh as 
Chorus Singers — Caradog's Famous London Victory — The National 
Trophy — Welsh Soloists— Welsh Composers — Sacred Music — The 
Welsh as Instrumentalists — The National Instrument. 

CARMEN SYLVA AND THE WELSH. 

" She, the Imperial Rhine's own Child. 
* * « * * 

Mother, Poet, Queen in one." 

The Roumanian Queen an Ardent Student of Wales and the Welsh — 

Her Visit to Bangor Eisteddfod — Her Reception — The Royal 

Poem — Other Ovations — A Cordial Farewell. 

LABOR IN WALES. 

" In the dim morning of Society, Labor was up and stirring before 

Capital was awake." — Cardinal Manning. 

Toil either of the brain, of the heart, or of the hand, is the only 

true manhood — The only true nobility. 

Capital and Labor— Improved Condition of Welsh Workingmen — 
Labor Organizations — Intimidation — Some Welsh Strikes — Labor 
Agitators — Arbitration — The Eight Hours Movement— The New 
Mines Bill— Female Labor — Girls in Mills — Pit-brow Lasses — The 
Servant Girl and the Kitchen. 

WELSH INDUSTRIES. 

The Little Principality a Veritable Treasure House — Welsh Coal Fields 
—The Ocean Collieries— Welsh Lead Mining— The Slate Industry 
—Welsh Gold Fields— Iron and Tin Plate Industries— Woolen 
Manufacture — Agricultural Industries — Agricultural Depression — 
Welsh Ports. 

WELSH POLITICS. 

" There is in nature no moving power but the mind; in human 
affairs, this power is opinion ; in political affairs it is public opinion, 
and this public opinion it is that finally wins the day. — Earl A'ussell. 

The Political Awakening — Welsh Representatives Then and Now — 
Irish Stickitiveness — The Welsh Labor Member — Political Cam- 
paigns—King Caucus— The Campaign Song— Preachers and Poli- 
tics—Election Expenses— Women and Politics— The Spoils System 
— Welsh Political Issues. 



"THE GRAND OLD MAN'' AND THE WELSH. 

"And indeed, he seems to me 

Scarce other than my own ideal Knight, 

Who reverences his conscience as his king ; 

Whose glory is redressing human wrong." — Tennyson, 

Mr Gladstone Admires Welsh Character — Mrs Gladstone — Mr Glad- 
stone's Influence on Welsh Politics — Do the Welsh Follow Him 
Blindly? — The Grand Old Man and Welsh Disestablishment — His 
Name a Talisman for Political Triumphs in the Principality — At 
the Eisteddfod — At a Welsh Flower Show — His Memorable Visit 
at Swansea. 



ROYALTY AND THE WELSH. 

Royalty and the Welsh Radicals " on the Outs " — Royalty and the 
Eisteddfod — The Prince of Wales — The Queen's Visit to the Prin- 
cipality in 1890— Royal Salaries — Democracy in Wales. 

TEMPERANCE IN WALES. 

The Evolution of Total Abstinence in Wales — Moderation Societies — 
The First Total Abstinence Society — The Prestige enjoyed by 
Taverns — The Temperance Tidal Wave — Welsh Temperance Leg- 
islation — The Sunday Closing Act — Is Drinking on the Increase in 
Wales ? — Local Option — Prohibition. 

STATE AND FREE CHURCHES IN WALES. 

An Invidious Distinction — State Religion Unpopular — Her Intolerance 
— Relative Strength of State and Free Churches — The Tithe Agi- 
tation — Anecdote — Peggy Lewis — Is Nonconformity Declining? 
— Free Church Statistics — Disestablishment and Disendowment — 
Nonconformists slow to recognize the Church's Service to Wales. 

THE WELSH PULPIT. 

The assertion of the cross as the eternal principle of all divine and 
human actions, not simply the accident of sin, seems to me the imper- 
ative of the hour. — Her r on. 

Religion in Wales — The Annual Preaching Meeting — The Gymanfa 
{Association Meetings) — Shout, Dear Brother, Shout — Welsh Fire — 
The Former Days and These — The Welsh Pew. 



THE SUNDAY SCHOOL IN WALES. 
" Feed My Lambs." 
lis Early Days — Sturdy Pioneers — The Sunday School and the Vernacu- 
lar — Graded Instruction — The Sunday School and Indoctrination — 
Illustration — The Social side of Sunday School Work — What hath 
God Wrought ? 

FATHER IGNATIUS AND THE WELSH. 
His Ancestry — His Patriotism — The Abbot at the Eisteddfod — Llan- 
thoney Abbey — Monasticism in Wales — The Ancient Welsh 
Church. 

ROMANISM IN WALES. 
Plans laid to bring Wales back to the Romish Fold — Traces of Catholic 
Wales — The Welsh Decoration Day — Thronged Cemeteries — 
Empty Churches — Feast Days. 

SOCIAL LIFE IN WALES. 

I wish much to have one branch done well, and that is the history 
of manners of common life, — Dr yohnson. 

Welsh Games — The Competitive Meeting — St David's Day — The Welsh 
Leek — A Welsh Wedding — A Welsh Funeral — Welsh Hospitality. 

MORALITY IN WALES. 
Wales and the Blue Book of 1847 — Defenders of Welsh Morality-=- 
Welsh Veracity — Crime in Wales — The White Gloves — Total 
Absence of Vile Literature. 

WELSH CONTRIBUTION TO BRITAIN. 
Welsh Extremists — Canon Farrar tells what England Owes Wales — Sir 
Hugh Myddleton — Welsh Inventors — The Welsh and Modern Re- 
forms — The Nonconformist Conscience. 

THE WELSH IN AMERICA. 

Prince Madoc and his Voyages — Early Welsh Immigrants — Welsh Set- 
tlements in Colonial and Revolutionary Days — Eminent Welsh- 
Americans — Welsh-American Newspapers and Periodicals — Welsh 



Politicians — Some Diversions of the Welsh — St David's Day 
Abroad — St David Societies — The Order of True Ivorites — Welsh 
Prisoners and Paupers — Welsh Churches in America. 

APPENDIX. 
Geography and Population of Wales — Figures concerning Welsh Immi- 
grants — Welsh Foreign Born in United States. 



Welsh National Song. 



Mountainous old Cambria, the Eden of Bards, 
Each hill and each valley excite my regards, 
To the ears of her patriots, how charming still seems, 
The music that flows in her streams. 

Wales ! Wales ! be 
My country though crushed by the hostile array, 
The language of Cambria lives out to this day ; 
The muse has eluded the traitor's foul knives, 
The harp of my country survives. 

Wales ! Wales ! be 
The land of my fathers, the land of my choice, 
The land in which poets and minstrels rejoice, 
The land whose stern warriors were true to the core. 
While bleeding for freedom of yore. 

Chorus — 

Wales ! Wales ! favorite land of Wales ! 
While sea her wall, may naught befall 
To mar the old language of Wales. 



Tt]e Earlij lobabitarit^ of Britair). 



"The harvest gathered in the fields of the Fast is 
to be brought home for the use of the Fresent," 

— Dr Arnold, 



Antiquity of the Britons Their Civilization — Conclusions of the 

Classical Writers — Their Domestic Life — Their Government — 
Sturdy Warriors — Their Commerce — Archaeological Remains — 
The Cromlechau — Druidism — Their Priesthood. 

The aboriginal settlement of countries has always 
been a much debated question. There is not lacking 
an abundance of traditional matter bearing upon the 
subject ; but definite historical data is rare. The 
ancients believed that the aborigines of each country- 
were its native inhabitants. The Germans, for in- 
stance, believed that Tuisto a Celto-Scythian king or 
hero, and his son Mannus, their earliest progenitors, 
were sprung from the soil. There was a tradition 
among the Britons in Caesar's time, that the earliest 
inhabitants " were born in the island itself." 

The concensus of intelligent belief claims for the 
Celtic race an Aryan origin. It is said that the 
Kimmerii, the supposed ancestors of the Kymry who 
originally occupied the country known as the Ukraine, 
in southern Russia were conquered by the Scythians 
and settled in Armenia and Asia INIinor. " There was 
a time, says Professor Max Miiller — when the ances- 
tors of the Celts, the Germans, the Slavs, the Greeks 
and Italians, the Persians and Hindoos, were living 

13 



together beneath the same roof, separate from the 
Semitic and Turanian races.* 

These conchisions are in entire keeping with the 
geographical and ethnological truth of the Scriptures, 
which evidently teaches that the sons of Japheth, 
Gomer, Madai and Javan were the representatives of 
these races. It has been customary to smile know- 
ingly at the Welsh literateurs who have maintained 
from time to time that Gomer, the eldest son of 
Japheth is the father of the Kyniric race. The re- 
searches of modern ethnographical science, however, 
prove that the claim rests upon something more tan- 
gible than the asserted Celtic traditional exuberance. 
We read in Ezekiel XXXIV, 6 of " Gomer and all 
his bands." Their home is supposed to have been in 
the country between Syria, the Black Sea, and the 
Caucasus Mountains, They have been recognized as 
the Gimiri or Kimiri, known to the Assyrians and the 
Kimmerii, known to the Greeks, the Cimbri of 
Roman times, and the Cambrians or Cymry, the 
present inhabitants of Wales. 

Canon Rawlinson writing of these people says : 
*' They have been probably identified with the Cimbri 
of the Roman times, a portion of the great Celtic 
race, some of whose tribes were found in Britain 
when the Romans conquered it, and came to be 
called by them Cambri, and their country Cambria. 
***** ***** 

We may say therefore, that Gomer probably repre- 
sents the Celtic race under one of their best known 
and most widely extended names, and that the au- 

* Languages of the Seat of War. Page 20. 

14 



tlior of Genesis meant to include among the descend- 
ants of Japheth the great and powerful nation of the 
Celts." 

After careful investigation of many of the best 
authorities, we conclude that the Celtic nation, and 
particularly the Kymric branch of it can justly lay 
claim to an extreme antiquity. 

It is not known when the Celts migrated from 
Asia to Europe. Some Welsh literateurs claim that 
they took possession of the continent three hundred 
years after the flood, or about the time of Noah's 
death. This statement is not authentic. The Celtic 
names that many of the mountains, valleys, and riv- 
ers of Europe bear, would indicate that the conti- 
nent was at one time inhabited by this nation. They 
are believed to have first settled in Italy. Plinius 
says that the Umbrians, aborigines of Italy, were 
Gauls. 

The time of the Celtic migration to Britain is also 
uncertain. It is thought that Herodotus, the Greek 
historian, 450 B. C, is the oldest author that refers to 
Britain, which was known to him at that time as part 
of the Cassiterides — Tin Islands. He says : "Of 
the extreme part of Western Europe, I can say noth- 
ing with certainty, because I do not admit that the 
Barbarians possess a river by the name of Eiridanus 
that flows into the sea in the North, from which 
place they say amber comes ; and I know nothing of 
the Cassiterides, from whence we get our tin. The 
name Eiridanus which is Greek, not Barbarian, proves 
what I say ; and on the other hand, I never met any- 

15 



one who was able to say from personal knowledge 
that the extreme part of Europe is sea." 

As far as can be ascertained, Aristoteles, 340 B. C, 
is the first author that refers definitely to Britain, 
He calls England and Scotland, Albion, and Ireland, 
lerne — West. He says : " Beyond the Pillar of 
Hercules, the great sea flows around the earth, 
there is in it two big islands called British, Albion, 
and lerne, which are greater than the ones mentioned 
heretofore, and are situated beyond the Celts, etc."* 

Poly bins, B. C, 160, says : " Inasmuch as we have 
written so much about Eybia and Iberia, some will 
ask why we have not said more about the passage 
between the Pillars of Hercules, of the sea beyond 
them, and other things that concern those parts, of 
the British Isles, how they manufacture tin, and also 
about the gold and silver mines of Iberia, about 
which things writers have written so extensively and 
differed so widely." 

• It is uncertain which branch of the Celts reached 
Britain first ; the best authorities incline to the belief 
that the Cynetians were the aboriginals. If they 
were the earliest settlers, they were not a vigorous 
people because they have left absolutely no trace of 
their existence in the island. One of the Triads — 
The Threes — (a collection of wise sayings, historical 
events, etc., committed to writing four centuries 
B. C.) says that Britain owes nothing to any one save 
the Kymric nation, who subdued her ; prior to that 
she had no inhabitants, being full of tigers, wolves, 
beavers and large cattle. 

*Aristoteles De Mundo, 3. 

16 



Some historians maintain that Brutus, a Greek, 
brought a large number of his countrymen to the 
island iioo B. C, conquered its inhabitants, and that 
his soldiers called the country Britain in honor of 
their intrepid leader. 

This story is taken from Nennius', Historia Brito- 
num, which was written in the year 858, and copied 
by Mark the Hermit, in 945. 

Nennius himself says that he got the story from 
some Roman writings. The story is certainly legen- 
dary in character. Other writers claim that the Celtic 
tribes came to Britain from Gaul as early as 1000 B. C. 

Bale and Carter believe that they settled in the 
island as early as 2000 B. C. After the Cynetians, 
the Gaelic branch of the Celts inhabited Britain. 
That they were a strong, vigorous people is evident 
from the large number of Gaelic words that are still 
used in the Principality. We note a few : 

One of the principal rivers in the Principality is 
named Wysg (Usk) ; the Gaelic word for water is 
Uisg. The names of such rivers as Tafwys (Thames), 
Wy (Wye), Tywi (Towy), etc., derive their origin 
from Uisg. The Gaelic for milking is "Blithuin" ; the 
Welsh call their milch cows, " Gwartheg Blithion." 
The Gaelic for gold is "or;" the Welsh is "aur." 
The Gaelic for apple is "aful;" the Welsh is "afal"; 
etc. 

T. Stephens, author of Literature of the Cymry, 
thinks that the Irish, who were formerly known as 
Scots, settled in Scotland by conquest under the 
chieftainship of Fergus, Loarn, and Angus, the chief 
sons of Ere, king of North Ireland. Ireland is sup- 
posed to have been settled first. 

17 



Prof. Rhys the eminent Oxford professor said in 
a recent lecture : " The people who introduced 
Cymraeg (Welsh) into these Islands belong to that 
widespread Aryan family which included the Teuton 
as well as the Cymro. Observing that the various 
members of the Teutonic group would not now 
understand each other's speech any more than a Kerry 
Irishman speaking Gaelic would not now understand 
a Welshman speaking Welsh." In the course of his 
lecture he inquired into the cause of the difference : 
"Dividing the Celtic peoples into the Goidelic Irish, 
Scotch and Manx, and Brythonic, ( Welsh, Old Cor- 
nish, and Breton,) the difference was caused by a 
difference of time in the Goidelic and Brythonic 
invasions of the islands. The Goidels probably came 
into Britain when the Latins landed on the banks of 
the Tiber. The Brythons came from Belgium at a 
considerable later period and drove the Goidels into 
the northern and western portion of the islands and 
over into Ireland, where they subsequently reinvaded 
Scotland and the borders of the Severn Sea. When 
the Goidels landed in Britain, they found here a 
people who were not Celtic or even Aryan, and were 
probably allied to the Basques of the present day. 

When one noticed the frequency of the black-haired 
people, not only in Wales but in England, it was 
found that the decendants of the aborigines even now 
outnumber Celt and Saxon combined. They were 
mentally and sentimentally more gifted. They had 
a feeling for art and a talent for music. It was prob- 
ably the happy blending of the widely dissimilar 
characteristic that made the Englishman a diflferent 



being from the ordinary German, and contributed to 
the English character no inconsiderable part of its 
existence. In any case the average Englishman was 
much more nearly of the same race, or rather of the 
same blend of races as a Cymro than a certain class 
of writers imagine." While some imcertainty exists 
as to the manner of their wanderings and the time of 
their settlement in Britain, it is known that the Brit- 
ains were a numerous and hardy race 2000 years ago. 

The name Britain is of uncertain origin. It has 
evoked many speculative theories, the most plausible 
being that the Phoenicians gave it that name because 
its inhabitants were called Britons. During the 
Roman stay in Britain, 450 years, they called the 
country Britannia, and its people Britons. The 
name Cybry ( Kymry ) is first used by Howell the 
Good, in his celebrated laws. The name Kymry 
was not universally applied to the inhabitants until 
the period between the fourteenth and the end of the 
sixteenth centuries. The name Welsh was given to 
the inhabitants by the English. The Teutons named 
their bordering tribes Walsche, which means exiles, 
strangers. Brittany in France is called Wealand, 
which has the same root as Wales. 

The native inhabitants of Wales spurn the name 
given them by their Saxon neighbors, and know 
one another by the ancient name Kymry. 

The government of the early Britons was in some 
instances primitive attempts at limited monarchy; 
while in others it was stratocracy, determined accor- 
ding to the various customs and usages of the several 
tribes. 



19 



Among some tribes the sovereign derived his power 
by descent, while among others it was customary to 
elect him by popular vote. There were some tribes 
that favored Stratocracy, a system which provided that 
the sovereignty be vested in the most distinguished 
warrior. When the reigning Prince died, the eldest 
son succeeded him, providing he was qualified to rule. 
If the king had no male issue, he was succeeded by 
his wife or daughter. Thus we have Cartismandua, 
Queen of the Brigantines, and Boadicea, Queen of the 
Icenes. Tacitus* says : — Instigated by such sugges- 
tions, they unanimously arose in arms, led by Boa- 
dicea, a woman of royal descent (for they make no 
distinction between the sexes in succession to the 
throne, etc.) The rule of each of these women was 
remarkable for its courage and daring. 

Some tribes were affectionately attached to their 
Princes. When Cassivelaunus killed Imanuentius, 
and his son Mandubratis fled to Caesar for refuge, the 
tribes deserted Cassivelaunus from sympathy for the 
young Prince and the other five tribes followed their 
example, to the destruction of their country. If the 
reigning Prince had several sons, all of whom were 
qualified to succeed their father, he enjoyed the right, 
with the consent of the nobility and priesthood, to 
divide his kingdom between them, without the slight- 
est regard to the rights of the heir, and should any 
of them become dissatisfied, he could disinherit them. 
Cunobelinus divided his small kingdom between his 
two sons, Caractacus and Togodumnus, and disin- 
herited his third son, Adminius, because he had 

*Tacitus Vit. Agric. C. i6. 

20 



committed some offense against him. At one time 
as many as four princes ruled over the petty kingdom 
of Kent, because of this prerogative exercised by the 
Prince. 

One of the royal prerogatives was to command 
the forces in time of war. This was particularly true 
of those kings and princes who united valor with 
royal birth. Aristoteles says : " The person that 
ruled in time of peace in ancient times would be their 
commander in war."* Sometimes several tribes would 
unite under one chief commander, who was expected 
to pay deference to the kings and princes whose forces 
he commanded. The chief ambition of this commander 
was to be known as a man of great military skill and 
courage. To be outstripped in valor by any of his fol- 
lowers was considered a calamity. "In the field of battle 
it is disgraceful for the chief to be surpassed in valor; 
it is disgraceful for the companions not to equal their 
chief; but it is reproach and infamy during a whole 
succeeding life to retreat from the field surviving 
him. Chonodomarus, king of the Alemanni, was taken 
prisoner by the Romans, his companions, two hun- 
in number, and three friends peculiarly attached to 
him, thinking it infamous to survive their prince or 
not to die for him, surrendered themselves to be put 

in bonds."t 

The emoluments of an early British king were 
not flattering. Besides the family inheritance which 
was the most important in the state, he generally 
possessed lands and enjoyed other perquisites. His 

♦Politic V. ch. 5. 

•j-Ammianus Marcellinus, XVI, 13. 

21 



subjects made him presents of live stock, wheat and 
other serviceable things from time to time. On the 
other hand, the commander of the various tribes in 
times of war was usually the recipient of valuable 
gifts by the kings and noblemen of their command. 
"It is customary for several states to present by volun- 
tary and individual contributions cattle or grain to 
their chiefs, which are accepted as honorary gifts, 
while they serve as necessary supplies."* Among 
some tribes plunder was considered not only legiti- 
mate but praiseworthy. In some instances, it consti- 
tuted an important source of revenue. 

The best authorities are not favorable to the 
idea advocated by some historians that for many 
centuries Britain was ruled by one king, a period 
known in the vernacular as Unbenaeth Prydain — 
Monarchy of Britain. While the contention is prob- 
able, the evidence shows that they were divided into 
various tribes or clans over which kings and princes 
ruled. There were two orders that were very con- 
spicuous in the early British life, viz : The Eques- 
trian and Druidic. Both orders enjoyed much power 
and privilege. The Equestrian consisted of Knights 
who were invariably surrounded by sturdy warriors. 
To these men were committed in a large measure, the 
fortunes of the tribes in times of war. Caesar says 
of the Knights : These (when there is any necessity 
and when any war arises which before Caesar's arrival 
was wont to happen almost every year, that they 
might either inflict injuries themselves or repel those 
inflicted by others) are all engaged in war : and in 

*Tacitus De Mor. Germ. 15. 

22 



proportion as each of them is most distinguished by- 
birth and resources, so he has the greatest number of 
vassals and clients about him. This sort of influence 
and power alone they acknowledge. The Bard also 
went to war. It was his function to rehearse the 
glories of war in general, and those of his chief in 
particular. 

The Druidic order consisted of priests, who in 
reality were the real rulers of the people. They were 
held in great reverence, and their jurisdiction exten- 
ded to the material as well as the religious welfare of 
the tribe. Their word was law. The king himself 
dares not declare war without first getting the con- 
sent of the Druids, and permitting them to go through 
their religious incantations. "No one dare imprison, 
scourge nor inflict any kind of punishment but the 
priests only, and they inflict punishment not at the 
instigation of the chief commander, but in obedience 
to their gods, who they maintain are present with 
them in war."* 

Diodorus Siculus says of them : " Not only in the 
concerns of peace, but even of war, not friends alone, 
but enemies also chiefly defer to them and to the com- 
poser of verses. Frequently, during hostilities, when 
armies are approaching each other with swords drawn 
and lances extending these men rushing between 
them puts an end to their contentions, taming them 
as they would tame wild beasts," 

Caesar has written at length about the Druids of 
Gaul. The following are the salient points of his 
description : They took charge of the public and 

*Tacitus De Mor. Germ. C. 7. 

23 



private sacrifices ; they were the accredited teachers 
of religion. Large numbers of young men flocked to 
them for instruction. The course lasted twenty 
years. The instruction consisted principally of 
memorizing verses, and was entirely oral. It was 
unlawful to commit these instructions to writing, 
because thereby the common people would learn 
their doctrine, and also because it would tend to 
weaken the memories of their scholars. They sat in 
judgment upon all matters of dispute, both public 
or private. They decreed rewards and pimishments. 
Whoever failed to submit to these decrees was inter- 
dicted from the sacrifices. The interdicted were 
shunned by the orthodox people, special care being 
taken not to come in contact with them. 

They met at Caniutes, a central place in Gaul, at 
a certain time of the year, and tried all cases from 
afar and near. They taught astronomy ; they dis- 
coursed about the extent of the universe and the 
earth, the nature of things, and the power and might 
of the immortal gods. They taught the doctrine of 
the transmigration of the souls, believing that this 
teaching would strengthen the valor of their warriors 
and remove from them the fear of death. They 
offered human sacrifices. " The immolation of those 
who have been taken in theft or robbery, or any 
crime, they imagine to be peculiarly pleasing to the 
immortal gods ; but when a supply of this class fails, 
they have recourse even to the innnocent." They 
worshipped principally the god Mercury ; he was re- 
garded as the inventor of all the arts. He directed 



24 



their journeys and marches, and exercised great 
power over their financial transactions. 

They also worshipped Apollo, Mars, Jupiter and 
Minerv^a. Apollo averted diseases ; Minerva de- 
veloped their manufactories and arts ; Jupiter pos- 
sessed sovereignty over the Celestials, and Mars 
directed wars. They vow to him everything captured 
in war. The captured animals are sacrificed ; the 
remaining things were stored up in some consecrated 
place. It was deemed a great sacrilege to appropriate 
these goods ; and anyone found guilty of the act was 
severely punished. 

Over this body of Druids there was a president 
who is called the Archdruid and who exercised the 
chief authority among them. When he died, the next 
Druid in honor would succeed him. Should there 
be more than one eligible candidate, the selection 
was made by the vote of the body, but sometimes 
they went to the length of fighting for the presidency.*. 

Caesar's description is necessarily incomplete. 
Druidism had its corrupt as well as its pure era. The 
emperor evidently witnessed it in its most repulsive 
form. Modern science is fast demonstrating the fact 
that the Druidism of Caesar's time was a strange 
mixture of pagan mythology and Druidism and 
belonged largely to those times. The " superstitions, 
dogmas, absurd customs and inhuman ceremonies" of 
this somber religion were symbolical of great truths. 

The Druids, like other priests, had two doctrines : 
a sacred and vulgar. No doubt, Caesar's account of 
the metempsychosis belonged to the vulgar religion, 

♦Caesar's Gallic War, Book VI. 

25 



while the true meaning involved some mystical know- 
ledge of the natural and mental history of man.* 
They regarded the oak with veneration. The mis- 
tletoe was much prized on account of its medicinal 
qualities. Their religion embodied three degrees, 
through which the believer passed : Inchoation, Pro- 
gression, Consummation. In the first degree he 
acquired knowledge, in the second moral power, and 
in the third he reached perfection. They taught the 
possibility of the soul's retrogression while passing 
through the first degree ; and also restoration by means 
of certain principles, changes, and gradations. The 
future was an eternal progression. The theosophy 
of to-day resembles the Druidism of these times. 

The people were divided into two classes : the free 
natives and the bond natives. The free natives held 
their lands under their lords, enjoyed a large degree 
of liberty, and rendered to their lords certain services 
.for the protection they enjoyed. But the bond natives 
were the property of their masters, liable to be dis- 
posed of as human chattels. This condition of things 
lasted during the Ancient Roman, Saxon and later 
periods. 

The Britons were warriors by tradition and educa- 
tion. The ideal man of the times was a disting- 
uished warrior. Bravery was the talisman for great- 
ness and glory. Very early in life the child was ini- 
tiated into the spirit and tactics of warfare. Solinas 
C. 22 says : When a woman is delivered of a male 
child, she lays its first food upon the husband's sword, 
and with the point gently puts it within the little 

*See Identity of Religions, called Druidic and Hebrew, • 

26 



one's month, praying to her conntry deities that his 
death may in like manner be in the midst of arms. 

When war was abont to be delcared, the Britons 
had a very nniqne method of marshalling their 
forces. Each tribe had its man on the look-out, and 
when the king or commander of the forces declared 
war, word was passed along the line from tribe to 
tribe, and in an incredibly short time the available 
forces for war would be centralized for action. Csesar 
tells of many thousands of Gallic soldiers being 
brought to the scene of battle in seventeen hours by 
this means, notwithstanding that they were scattered 
over a territory of over i6o miles. 

The clans generally gathered together for action at 
some central fort which was also used as an asylum 
for their wives, children and aged during the engage- 
ment. Ccesar says that these forts were excellently 
fortified, both by nature and art. These forts were 
very difficult of access. Disunion among the 
various tribes gave rise to these forts in the first 
place. The commanders depended much on their 
oratorical powers. On the eve of an engagement, 
they inspired their followers to the fray by means of 
patriotic, soul-stirring words. The weak were 
strengthened, the strong fortified and the rank and 
file imbued with military ardor. 

They were urged to look contemptuously on dan- 
ger and death, play the man, and win the fight. The 
strongest motives and encouragements to assist in the 
battle were advanced, and nearly to a man, the entire 
body of soldiers would be enthused at the sight of 
their leader with proud, defiant and hopeful mien 
moving to and fro among their ranks. 

27 



This method of warfare was practiced by the Ro- 
mans like the Britons. Of these orations, those of 
Caractacns and Galgacus are the most notable. The 
harangue of Galgacus on the eve of the battle with 
Agricola and his hosts is remarkable for its length, 
patriotism and finish. It reads like a classic. At 
the close of these orations, the tribes went wild with 
enthusiasm. This remarkable speech must have in- 
fluenced the Romans, because Agricola on this occas- 
sion delivered to his soldiers the longest harangue 
he ever gave before or after. 

Their weapons of war consisted of scj-thed chari- 
ots, stakes, swords, spears, axes, celts, bow and arrow, 
etc. The most formidable weapon of the Britons 
was the war chariot. These are described as terrible 
means of destruction. The number of charioteers 
was great. After the six tribes that joined Cassive- 
launus had deserted him, there were still left 4,000 
charioteers who were loyal to their leader. 

The stakes were sharp and were usually fixed in 
front of the bank, but sometimes they were put un- 
der the water. These were very perilous to the in- 
vaders, and had they not been forwarned by the cap- 
tives and deserters would have caused great havoc 
among the brave followers of the intrepid Caesar. 

Their swords were long and blunt. Their shields 
were small and inadeqate in resisting the improved 
weapons of the Romans. The celts are supposed 
to have been a distinctively British weapon. It re- 
sembled a chisel about the size of a small axe. It 
was about four and a half inches long, with an edge 
of two and a half inches. Some were much larger. 

28 



It was fastened with a strong cord, which enabled the 
warrior to hnrl it at the enemy with force, and with- 
draw it suddenly. 

Their forces consisted of cavalry, charioteers and 
infantry. What they lacked in discipline they made 
up in bravery. The average British warrior knew no 
fear. In them the great Caesar found foes worthy of 
his skill and improved weapons. Viewed from 
Caesar's standpoint, their modes of fighting were 
novel and startling ; but in war everything is ap- 
parently fair. Their great defect was disunion. Very 
rarely would they unite to repel a common foe. It is 
stated that out of forty-seven tribes only six joined 
Cassivelaunus in resisting the invasions of Caesar. 

The testimony bearing upon the domestic life of 
the Britons is fragmentary and conflicting. Caesar 
charges them with practicing a revolting concubinage. 
His description was doubtless true of the less civilized 
tribes. Polyandry in one form or another was prac- 
tised by some of every nation, civilized and uncivi- 
lized, the privileged Romans not excepted. 

It is significant that neither Tacitus nor Dio Cas- 
sius say anyhing about this concubinage. There are 
some facts tliat justify the inference that polyandry 
was confined to some tribes. 

The insults that the Romans offered the British 
queen, Boadicea, and her two daughters greatly 
roused the anger of the Icenes and Trinovantes tribes. 
When Cartismandua, the queen of the Brigantines 
divorced herself from her husband, Verusius, without* 
his consent, which was essential, the act was con- 
sidered illegal. She was looked upon as an adulteress, 
and her destruction was inevitable. 

29 



Little is known of their marriage ceremonies. It 
appears that the marriage ceremony consisted of a 
profession of reciprocated affection and 0. pnblic ex- 
change of gifts between the bride and bridegroom. 
The bridegroom's presents to the bride usnally con- 
sisted of cattle, horses, a sword, shield and spear. 
The bride's gifts to the bridegroom were weapons 
of war. 

"That the woman may not think herself excused 
from exertions of fortitude or exempt from the casu- 
alities of war, she is admonished by the very cere- 
monial of her marriage, that she comes to her husband 
as a partner in toils and dangers, to suffer and to dare 
equally with him in peace and war ; this is indicated 
by the yoked oxen, the harnessed steed and the 
offered arms. Thus she is to live ; thus to die. She 
receives what she is to return inviolate and honored to 
her children, what her daughters-in-law are to receive, 
and again transmit to her grandchildren. 

When these gifts were pronounced satisfactory by 
the relatives of bride and bridegroom who were pres- 
ent at the ceremony, the marriage was publicly rati- 
fied. Among the Gauls, the dowries of both husband 
and wife were added together, and an account con- 
jointly kept of the profits of the united estates. The 
surviving party became sole heir to the profits of 
these dowries, together with the profits of previous 
periods. Among the Germans it was not customary 
ibr the bride to give her husband a marriage dowry. 
The Britons discouraged early marriages. It was 
considered improper for young men to pay matrimo- 
nial attentions before thev were of aoe. Those who 



30 



remained single were highly thought of on account 
of the physical strength that this condition was be- 
lieved to ensure. 

The Britons immersed their newly-born children 
in the river even in winter, in order to test their bod- 
ily strength. The British mother, like the German, 
nursed her own offspring, so anxious was she to raise 
them sound and strong. The children of rich and 
poor mingled together, played together and were 
nurtured under the same rigorous conditions 'till age 
and valor divided the slave and free-born. 

The mode of burial among the Celtic tribes was by 
cremation. The remains of British mounds and bar- 
rows prove beyond a doubt that cremation was at one 
time universally practiced by the Britons. When a 
distinguished husband died in Gaul, his relatives in- 
quired into the circumstances of his death, and if they 
were in any wise suspicious, the wives were severely 
examined, and if their guilt was established they 
were cruelly put to death. At the close of the funeral 
rites, the things that the deceased prized mostly were 
incinerated. This applied to the slaves and clients 
that they cherished greatly. 

The dwelling places of the Britons were very prim- 
itive. According to Ccesar they were very numerous, 
and resembled those of the Gauls. The Gauls con- 
structed their houses of wood in the form of a circle, 
with very high roof, in which was an aperture that 
served instead of windows. Diodorus says : Their 
(Britons) houses are miserable cabins, constructed 
chiefly of reeds or wood, and roofed with .straw.* 

*Diodorus Siculus, T..v. C, 8. 

31 



When Caractacus, the British chieftain, was taken 
captive to Ronie, he asked the Romans : '' Why do 
ye, who possess such numerous and durable edifices 
covet our humble cottages ? " It was customary to 
build fires on the floor of the house. Thqir means of 
subsistence were very plentiful. Their seas, rivers 
and streams contained an abundance of fish which 
they cared little for, and over their mountains, hills 
and valleys roamed large numbers of various animals. 
There was also plenty of flying fowl. They relig- 
iously abstained from the flesh of the hare, the hen 
and the goose ; they bred them for amusement. 
They considered the hare sacred. This abstinence 
was practiced lest they offend the divinity of the 
water. 

They considered the flesh of the brandt or soland 
goose a special dish. It is natural to conclude that 
they were much occupied in hunting. Among the 
domesticated animals might be mentioned the horse, 
cow, goat, sheep, pig, goose and hen. They had an 
unlimited supply of these. Wild animals roamed at 
will in their forests. The Britons were both an agri- 
cultural and pastoral people, determined by the nature 
of the soil they inhabited. 

Csesar says that the inhabitants of the sea-coast, 
who had come over from the Belgae, cultivated their 
lands. Diodorus Siculus represented them as agri- 
culturists who stored the corn which they grew in 
the stalk, in thatched houses. They also stored their 
corn in subterranean granaries. Their implements 
were primitive, like those of their kinsmen on the 
continent of Europe. 

32 



Strabo, however, denies them this knowledge. He 
says that they knew nothing of agriculture and 
gardening, and that they were inferior to other pas- 
toral nations, not knowing how to manufacture 
cheese.* 

Butter was a luxury enjoyed only by the nobility. 
In common with other nations, more or less civilized, 
they manufactured intoxicating drinks. Dioscorides 
writes of two kinds of beer which were made from 
barley on the continent, and similar liquors were 
made in Spain and Britain from wheat. Pliny says : 
" The natives who inhabit the West of Europe have a 
liquor with which they intoxicate themselves, made 
from corn and water. The manner of making this is 
somewhat different in Gaul, Spain and other countries; 
and it is called by different names, but its nature and 
properties are everywhere the same. The people in 
Spain in particular brew this liquor so well that it 
will keep a long time." 

So exquisite is the cunning of mankind in gratify- 
ing their vicious appetites that they have invented a 
method to make water itself produce intoxication. 
The earliest intoxicantf known to the Britons was 
water, milk and mead, a inixture concocted from 
honey. The Saxons learned the art of brewing from 
the Britons. At the time of the Roman invasion, 
drunkenness was common among some tribes. Brew- 
ing led to the discovery of barm, with which they 
were delighted. 

*Strabo, IV., p. 138. 

fPlinius Nat. Hist. L. xiv. C, 22. 

33 



They ate two meals a day ; the breakfast was 
light, but at the supper, or evening meal, they ate to 
excess. One large knife served all purposes, which 
was used in common by all. When a family 'had 
guests, the servants, sons and daughters served as 
waiters.* Other writers say that it was customary to 
set a table before each guest upon which was placed 
his portion of meat and drink. 

Distinguished guests were always assigned seats 
of honor. Their dishes were always the choicest. 
Their food utensils consisted of wooden and earthen 
vessels and woven baskets. Their drinking vessels 
were made of horns of cattle and other animals. 

Perhaps the most striking evidence of the mechan- 
ical skill of the Britons is found in their megalithic 
monuments. The remains of these monuments can 
still be seen in various parts of Great Britain, the 
Continent of Europe and even Asia. 

Of the Druids circles, the most remarkable are 
Stonehenge and Avebury in Wiltshire, England. 
These stones vary in size, some being twenty-eight 
feet high and seven feet wide. The triple circle that 
constituted Stonehenge contained eighty stones; its 
diameter was one hundred feet. It is claimed that 
Stonehenge contained originally one hundred and 
forty-four stones. The Britons called Stonehenge 
Cor Gawr, which is the Welsh for Great Church. 
This name indicates that these circles were origin- 
ally used by the Druids for worship, sacrifices, and 
augury. It is also said that when needed they were 
used for "the inauguration of priests and kings; for 

*Diodorus Siculus I.. v. C, 28. 

34 



the use of general assemblies; meetings of councils, 
local and national ; for the promulgation of laws ; 
for elections, and as seats of judgement. In Gallic 
they are denominated clactans, which means places 
of worship." It is not certain that Stonehenge belongs 
to pre-Roman times. 

Mr. Wright, the Archaeologist says : — "It is remark- 
able that the only excavation within the area of 
Stonehenge of which we possess any account brought 
to light Roman remains." The Myfyrian Archaeology 
and other ancient Welsh writings maintain that 
Stonehenge was erected about the end of the fifth 
century in honor of the Britons who fell in a battle 
fought with the vSaxons on Salisbury Plain in Wilt- 
shire. These stones were brought from Devonshire, 
a distance of thirty or forty miles. Their transpor- 
tation and erection involved much physical and 
mechanical skill. It is not known how they were 
transported and placed in position. Some are of the 
opinion that they were drawn upon sleds and put into 
position by means of inclined planes and sheer mus- 
cular force. It is not improbable that they posessed 
some mechanical means, unknown to us, to place 
them in position. Archdeacon Williams says that 
these stones differ from other Celtic stone ornaments 
in the circumstance tlaat the stones have been hewn 
and squared with tools, and that each of the upright 
stones had two tenons or projections on the top, which 
fitted into notches or hollows in the superincumbent 
slabs.* 



♦Williams' Eccles. Hist, of the Cymry. p 36. 

35 



^ This description of their erection involves a con- 
siderable degree of mechanical skill. Canon Raw- 
linson, on the other hand, conclndes that these 
stnpendons constrnctions contain proofs of only " a 
moderate amonnt of mechanical ingennity." He 
repudiates the idea that they indicate proficiency in 
the science of astronomy, but admits that the late 
Prof. Phillips, of Oxford, informed him that in the 
direction of the main avenue of approach at Stone- 
henge, and in the position of certain detached stones 
with respect to the central triliths, he thought he saw 
indications of solar worship. 

It is claimed that the monuments of Avebury were 
more stupendous than those of Stonehenge. These 
circles covered an area of twenty-two acres, had a 
diameter of fourteen hundred feet, contained six 
hundred and fifty stones, and had a seating capacity 
of two hundred thousand. Resides, they were sur- 
rounded by a natural amphitheatre, from which many 
thousands more could witness the religious ceremo- 
nies. L/cading to these circles were two walks of 
stones from opposite directions, which gave the whole 
a serpentine appearance. Some of the stones in these 
circles were twenty feet long and weighed about one 
hundred tons. The largest stone in the Stonehenge 
circles did not exceed thirty tons. 

The cromlechs are another class of these monu- 
ments. These consisted of three or more massive 
stones placed in an upright position, upon which was 
placed an immense slab that resembled a table, which 
overhiuig the whole. Hence, the name Stone-hang, 
that was applied to the Wiltshire monuments. They 

36 



are known in Wales by the names : Throne Stone, 
IvOgan Stone, Assembly Stone, Arthur's Table » 
Arthur's Quoit, etc. In Cornwall they are called 
Quoit, because of their peculiar shape. In Brittany 
they are known by the name Tolmen, which is de- 
rived from taol-table. The most remarkable speci- 
men of Welsh cromlechs is situated at Pentref Ifan — 
Evan's Village — Pembrokeshire, South Wales. The 
slab — table — which rests on three upright stones is 
eighteen feet long, nine wide, and three thick. A 
mounted horseman can ride under it without the least 
inconvenience. There is also a noted cromlech near 
Plas Newydd — New Palace — Anglesea, North Wales, 
the table of which is twelve feet and nine inches 
long, thirteen feet and two inches wide, and three 
feet thick. The stone pillars vary in length from 
five feet six inches to four feet ten inches ; in width 
from five feet six inches to two feet; and in thickness 
from two feet to one foot six inches. There is in 
connection with this cromlech a stone chest, which is 
supposed to contain the remains of some distinguished 
druid or nobleman. 

These cromlechs were sometimes used for religious 
worship and at other times as sepulchres. If they 
were covered over with small stones and earth, it 
was a sure indication that they contained stone chests. 
The stone chest found near the North Wales cromlech 
was seven feet long and three feet wide, interlined 
with rough stones, and closed with two stone slabs. 

The stone circles of Carnac Plain, in Brittany, 
France, form another class of these monuments. 
They contain 4,000 stones of various sizes, arranged 

37 



ill eleven circles cxteiuliiii;; nearly a mile in lenc^th 
and almost 150 yards wide. Some of these stones 
measure twenty-two feet above ground, are twelve 
feet wide, six feet thick, and weigh over 100 tons. 
These bear much resemblance to the Stonehenge and 
Avebury monuments. These monuments are sup- 
posed to be remains of Druidic circles within which 
worship was held. " Even at the beginning of this 
century, the religion of the simple people of that 
stormy coast was associated with the legends of antique 
worehip. Once a year priests came in a boat to say 
mass over the remains of an engulphed city, where 
great blocks of stone, held to be relics of Druidical 
temples were to be seen at low water. Ami the jx^o- 
ple in their fishing boats gathered around the priests, 
and the voice of prayer went up to Heaven — a voice 
of solemn memorial to ancestors whose faith still 
lingered amidst a purer worship as the mistletoe of 
the Druidical oaks still mingles with the evergreens 
of Christmas.* 

The rocking stones bear marks of much mechanical 
ingenuity. Cornwall contains one that weighs eighty 
tons, which is so evenly poised that a touch of the 
hand set it in motion, and yet is so securely construc- 
ted that apparently no amount of strength or skill 
can remove it from its position. The stone mounds 
usually contained weapons and ornaments of iron, 
gold, silver, and brass, and have been assigned to the 
Iron Age, which must have been pre-Roman, accor- 
ding to Cxsar's own description of the metals they 
used.t 

*Kiuj;ht's History of Knglanil. Vol 1, C. I. 
tCa-srti's t'lftUic \Vi\r, 1.. v. C, u. 

3^^ 



The Barrows were, similar to the Mounds only that 
they contained brass weapons and ornaments. Some- 
times gold and silver .articles were found here as 
well as in the mounds, where human remains have 
been found incinerated. The dust is preserved in 
small earthern vessels. There are also mounds built of 
earth. The implements found in these were made ol 
stone, bone, and horn. In the period of earth mounds, 
cremation was not practiced, and their burial chests 
were rude and antiquated. Their pottery was not 
advanced. " The shapes have little elegance, the 
patterning is of the simplest kind, consisting of dots, 
parallel lines, crosses, and sometimes zigzags, which 
are scratched upon the surface, a])parently with a 
pointed stick. Handles where they exist at all are 
mere loops, intended to have cords passed through 
them by which the vessels might l)e suspended. 
Most of the vessels are merely sun-dried ; though 
some, found commonly in the more southern parts of 
England, have been placed in a kiln and l)aked."t 

The Britons were certainly acquainted to .some de- 
gree with metallurgy. They mined tin and lead prior 
to the Roman invasion. 

Herodotus says that the Greeks got their tin from 
the Cassiterides, Tin Islands. Diodorus Siculus re- 
fers to the fact that the Britons produced tin, prei)ared 
it in ingots, after which it was conveyed to " Ictes '* 
thought to be one of the Scilly Isles, from whence 
merchants took it to Gaul, and conveyed it by means 
of horses to the mouth of the Rhone. The journey 
from Gaul to the Rhone is supposed to have taken 

■fRawlinson's Origin of Nations, ]> 140-141. 

39 



thirty days. He says further : These Britons who 
dwell near the promontory Belerium (Land's End) 
live in a very hospitable and polite manner, which is 
owing to their great intercourse with foreign mer- 
chants. They prepare with much dexterity the tin 
which their country produceth, for though this metal 
is very precious, yet, when it is first dug out of the 
mine, it is mixed with earth, from which they separ- 
ate it by melting and refining.* 

Plinius says : The tin ore is a great distance from 
the surface in Spain and Gaul, and requires much la- 
bor to work it, but in Britain it is near the surface, 
and because of the abundance of it, a law was en- 
acted limiting the output to a certain quantity annu- 
ally.f Some maintain that the Britons mined copper. 
If they did, it must have been in small quantities, 
because the}^ purchased their copper supplies from 
foreign merchants. In 1735 copper celts were discov- 
ered near the remains of an old furnace at Easterly 
Moor. They were also acquainted with iron. "They 
used as money either brass or oblong pieces of iron, 
ascertained to be of certain weight. Tin is produced 
there in the midland districts, iron on the sea coast, 
but the supply of it is small ; they employ impor- 
ted brass.:}: They were evidently acquainted with 
gold and silver prior to the Roman invasion. 

Tacitus says : The earth yields gold and silver 
and other metals, the rewards of victory.il Strabo 
iv 138 bears the same testimony. Cicero, however, 

*Diodorus Siculus, L. v. C 22. 
f Plinius Nat. Hist L. xxxiv. C. 17. 
JCaesar's Gallic War L. v. C. 12. 
IJTacitus Vit. Agric C. 12. 

40 



says that not a single grain of silver is found on this 
island.* It is evident that Cicero was wrong in this 
conclusion. The successful operation of gold mines 
in North Wales, together with the silver that has 
been found in various parts of the country, prove 
their existence beyond a doubt. Besides, there are 
Roman mines that still bear testimony to the fact that 
the Romans made a successful search for the precious 
metal. On the grounds of Dolau Cothy, in Carmar- 
thenshire, South Wales, there is a mine believed to 
have been worked during the reign of the Emperor 
Trajan. "Here a quartz lode had been worked open 
to the day, and levels driven 170 feet through the 
slate. The officers of the Geological Society who 
surveyed it some years since, also discovered the re- 
mains of a metallurgical workshop, and among oth- 
er things, a beautiful gold necklace was found, which 
was in the possession of a Mrs. Johnnes, the wife of 
the then owner of the property."! They not only 
mined gold, but they coined money out of it. Cym- 
boline, the Prince of the Trinobantes, is credited with 
coining gold that was mined in Britain. There are 
as many as forty coins, each having a different die 
that bear his superscription. Many of these coins are 
still preserved in the British Museum, and at the Ash- 
molean Museum, Oxford. Caesar, Dion Cassius and 
Suetonius distinctly refer to the annual tribute de- 
manded of the Britains.l 

*Cicero Ep. ad Attic iv 16. 

•j-Vanderbilt's Gold Fields of Great Britain, p. i6. 

:JC3esar De Bell. Gall, v 22. Dion Cassius Lib. xi, sec. iii. Sueton- 
ius' Vit. Jul. Caes. xxv. 

41 



Caesar himself forbade its coinage, and instituted 
an imperial mint. 

Queen Boadicea is also credited with a native coin- 
age. It is the opinion of reliable authorities that Brit- 
ain possessed a native coinage, at least, 200 years B. C. 

The Britons possessed pearls and precious stones. 
Tacitus says: The ocean produces pearls, but of a 
cloudy and livid hue, which some impute to unskil- 
fulness in the gatherers, for in the Red Sea the fish 
are plucked from the rocks alive and vigorous, but in 
Britain they are collected as the sea throws them up. 
For my own part I can more readily conceive that 
the defect is in the nature of the pearls than in our 
avarice. Pliny says of the British pearl: It is cer- 
tain that sinall and discolored ones are produced in 
Britain, since the deified Julius has given us to 
understand that the breast-plate which he dedicated 
to \'enus Genitrix,* and placed in her temple, was 
made of British pearls. Origen says that the British 
pearl was next in value to the Indian, " Its surface 
is of a gold color, but it is cloudy, and less transpar- 
ent than the Indian.* Camden and Pennant have 
written at length about British pearl fisheries. Jet 
was also found in abundance. It was known by the 
name Gagates. Solerius says of it: The gagates is 
found there (Britain) in great quantities, and of the 
most excellent quality. If you inquire about its ap- 
pearance it is black and gem-like ; if of its quality, 
it is exceedingly light ; of its nature, it flames with 
water, and is quenched with oil ; of its virtue, it 
has great powers of attraction, when it is rubbed, as 

* Origen 's Matthew, pp. aio, 211. 

42 



amber. Some assert that the Britons possessed some 
knowledge of glass .manufacture. It is claimed that 
coal was known to them prior to the Roman invasion. 
If it was, which is doubtful, the Romans would have 
made mention of it. They were road makers. 

They could construct boats and used them for 
maritime purposes. They made chariots. The 
origin of British commerce must be sought among 
the natives themselves. That they interchanged 
commodities, though not on an extensive scale, is a 
fact. " On the rivers, on the lakes, and on tlie coast 
would be canoes of transit, carrying on a traffic of 
commodities rudely and imperfectly, no doubt, but 
still the beginning of a higher civilization whose 
great elements are communication and interchange."* 
The Phcenicians, the renowned navigators and mer- 
chants of ancient times, were the earliest traders with 
the inhabitants of Britain. It is not known when 
these commercial transactions commenced. There 
are strong reasons for believing that the Phoenicians 
traded with them some centuries before Britain be- 
came known to the Greeks and Romans. Strabo 
says: " The Phoenicians from Cadiz were the only 
persons who traded to these islands concealing the 
navigation from all others. When the Romans once 
followed a Phoenician ship, the master maliciously 
and wilfully ran it among the shallows, and the 
Romans following were involved in the same danger. 
The Phoenician by throwing part of his cargo over- 
board, made his escape, and his countrymen were so 
pleased with his conduct that they ordered all the 

♦Knight's History of England, Chap. I. 

43 



loss lie had sustained to be paid out of the public 
treasury."* 

Thus the Phoenicians succeeded in monopoliz- 
ing British trade for a long period of time. At last 
the country was discovered by the Greeks and Ro- 
mans, who shared the trade with the daring 
Phoenicians. 

The Cassiterides (Tin Islands) were known in the 
time of Herodotus, B. C. 445. Polybius also refers 
to the Brittanic Isles and the preparation of tin. 
Pythias of Massilia, B. C. 330, an ancient Greek 
navigator, is supposed to have been in Britain. The 
commerce between Massilia and Britain commenced 
some centuries before the Christian era. The exports 
in the earliest times consisted chiefly of tin, lead and 
furs, and the imports, pottery, copper and salt. 

Later, the exports included copper, silver, gold, 
furs, slaves, wicker baskets, pearls and dogs. The 
British beagle was highly prized for its hunting 
qualities. After careful inquiry into the condition of 
the early inhabitants of Britain, based chiefly upon the 
testimony of classical writers, we are convinced that 
they possessed various degrees of civilization. Some 
of these writers became acquainted with tribes of a 
low civilization, while others met tribes who enjoyed 
a commendable degree of civilization. Csesar and 
Diodorus Siculus, for instance, were both correct, 
though they differed widely in their conclusions re- 
garding the civilization of the Britons. A people 
who possessed a distinctive language, which exists 
to-day in its essential features, who were acquainted 

*Strabo, L. iii. 



44 



more or less with agriculture, the domestication 
of horses and horned cattle, metallurgy, mechanics, 
the art of pottery, weaving, the manufacture of 
chariots, road construction, etc., should not have much 
difficulty in establishing their claim to a place, if 
not exalted, among the civilized nations of the world. 



45 



Welsh ^ceperij. 



"The airy upland and the woodland green^ 
The valley and romantic mountain scene,' 
The lowly hermitagej or fair domain^ 
The dell retiredj or willow shaded lanej 
And every spot in sylvan beauty drestj 
And every landscape charms my youthful breast." 

— Mrs. Hemans. 



Its Richness and Variety — Sylvan Retreats — Its nearly Total Neglect by 
tourists — How it has impressed Eminent Men of Letters — Ancient 
castles — Welsh Summer Resorts — How the Critics have Missed it — 
Its Intluence on Welsh Character. 

Wales may be fitly called the garden of the British 
.Isles. There is scarcely an element of scenery that 
she doesn't possess. Her majestic moimtains, "pillars 
of Heaven, the fosterers of enduring snows " are en- 
shrined in song and the affections of the people. 
Pennant says : " Snowdon was held as sacred by the 
ancient Britons as Parnassus was by the Greeks, and 
Ida by the Cretans." It is still said that whosoever 
slept upon Snowdon would wake inspired as much 
as if he had taken a nap on the hill of Apollo. The 
Welsh had always the strongest attachment to the 
tract of Snowdon. Our princes had in addition to 
their title, that of Lord of Snowdon. The W^elsh 
names for Snowdon are " Yr Wyddfa," which means 
a conspicuous place, and "Eryri," the home of Eagles. 
Here the Welsh Chieftains found it possible to de- 

. 46 



Yclop those stern qualities that made them a terror to 
the enemy. If they were never conquered, they owe 
it in a large measure to these hospitable mountain 
homes. The typical Welshman never looks at this 
majestic pile without recalling very vividly the con- 
flicts, losses and triumphs of his heroic ancestry. 

"Eryri, temple of the Bard ! 
And fortress of the free ! 
Mids't rocks which heroes died to guard, 
Their spirit dwells with thee." 

Cader Idris, in the neighborhood of Dolgelly, North 
Wales, is next in importance. It is an old tradi- 
tion of the Welsh Bards, that on the summit of the 
mountain Cader Idris is an excavation resembling a 
couch ; and that whoever should pass a night in that 
hollow would be found in the morning either dead, 
in a frenzy, or endowed with the highest poetical 
inspiration. Mrs Hemans, writes as follows of Cader 
Idris : 

"I lay on the rock where the storms have their dwelling, 
The birth-place of phantoms, the home of the clouds ; 
Around it for ever deep music is swelling, 

The voice of the mountain wind, solemn and loud. 

Twas a midnight of shadow and fitfully streaming. 
Of wild waves and breezes that mingled their moan ; 

Of dim shrouded stars, as from gifts faintly gleaming, 
And I met the dread gloom of its grandeur alone." 

Plinlinimon is also the shrine of many a pilgrim- 
age. The Severn rises here. If the tourist is in 
quest of captivating hills, he will find them in the 
Brecknockshire Range, South Wales. The admirer of 
dales and valleys will find magnificent specimens in 
the famed valleys of the Dee and Clwyd in the North 



47 



and the vale of Glamorgan in the South. Sir 
Theodore Martin, K. C. B. says of the Dee Valley : 
"I pity those who have not visited this beautiful val- 
ley, as in all Europe I have not seen anything that 
has come home to my heart for its exceeding beauty 
and the charm of the scenery." 

The " beauties of the natural prospect " from the 
famed Castell Dinas Bran (Crow's Castle), said to be 
one of the oldest ruins in the kingdom, are very fine. 
The towering mountain, peaceful vale with its brows- 
ing cattle, undulating knolls, majestic river, gurgling 
streams, and rich woodland, combine to make the 
view idyllic. 

The principal attractions in this region are the 
Eglwyseg Rocks and Plas Newydd (New Palace), the 
late residence of the famed maids of Llangollen* 
The Clwyd valley is noted for its wealth of scenery. 
This has been the favorite resort of landscape paint- 
ers for many years. Bettws y Coed (Chapel-in-the 
Wood) is a delightful village that nestles in the midst 
of lovely mountain scenery and objects of romance 
and antiquity. This is the most famous bit of scener}' 
of its kind in- the British Isles, perhaps in Europe. 
The Vale of Glamorgan in the South vies with the 
more favored North for its picturesque scenery. 
Cowbridge and Llanilltyd Faur abound in historic 
interest. The botanist will look in vain for a more 
delightful and productive country to explore. Ivlan- 
illtyd, named after Illtud, the founder of Cor Illtyd, 
is an early seat of secular and religious training. 
The Bangorau were distinct .from the monasteries 
which sprung into favor during the Middle Ages. 

48 



This Illtiid, who came with Gannon from Gaul, said 
to be of a noble lineage, became president of this 
ancient seat of learning in 520 A. D. It joroduced 
from time to time many eminent men. It is stated 
that St Patrick taught here. The Principality con- 
tains a number of these Bangorau, around which 
clusters much that is interesting and instructive. 
Forty-seven years have elapsed since Carlyle, that 
anti-view hunter, visited a Mr Redwood, L^landdough, 
near Cardiff. He spoke of the surrounding country 
with much warmth. He said "The wood is beautiful 
when you see it from the knoll tops, soft, green, yet 
shaggy and bushy ; and sunshine kisses all things, 
and the upper moors themselves, dull-blunt, hilly 
regions, look sapphire in the distance." Glyn Elan, 
Radnorshire, will always be associated with the name 
of Shelley. In an able and vigorous article on 
"Shelley's Haunts in Wales," the author, Mr Her- 
ford, says that, " Of all the haunts on this side of the 
Channel, and he tried many, Wales, it is clear, 
attracted him most." Mr Herford describes the 
country that lured Shelley thus : 

" 'Pot several miles the little river meanders quietly 
along through a bleak, heathery upland, until a huge 
mass of mountains, rising right athwart its path, 
turns it into a narrow ravine that shelves away to the 
south, and abruptly changes at once its course and 
its character. The still stream roars and foams 
among the rocks through which it has fretted its 
tortuous way, and its dark waters grow darker as the 
wall of mountains on either hand climbs higher and 
higher up the sky. As it descends, the landscape, 

49 



while continually gaining in scale and grandeur, 
assumes, at the same time, a richer and more varied 
beauty ; luxurious masses of oak and beech nestle 
under the lower slopes, or detach themselves in 
graceful clusters along the meadows and hedgerows. 
The stream flows more quietly now, overshadowed by 
the leafy woodlands it feeds, and sending up into the 
still air, as evening draws on, a tender haze that mel- 
lows all hues and gradually blends with the deepen- 
ing shadows. * * * Slowly, the valley grows 
dim, while the limestone precipices still flame crimson 
overhead. It was in this gracious season of the day 
that we found ourselves, after winding through thick 
wood, standing, with scarcely a moment's warning, 
before the gate of Cwm Elan, a stately eighteenth 
century mansion, gleaming pale and ghostly against 
its embosoming backgroimd of the forest ; desolate 
and forlorn enough, too, for it is long since it had a 
tenant, and the visitor wanders freely along the 
garden walks which Shelley often paced with his 
impatient step, fuming at the strange fact that there 
were people like his genial host and cousin who 
'never thought.'" In speaking of the Claerwen 
Valley, the writer says beautifully : " The autum- 
nal moon had now risen golden over the moun- 
tains, and as we strolled up the Claerwen Valley 
lay full upon the river that brawls and dances 
along its rocky bed to the left of the road ; to the 
right, the woods sloped steeply up to the precipices. 
At length a gate appeared, and beyond it a drive ; 
within, some fifty yards away, stood a large mansion 
of the last century, with low gable crowning the 



50 



centre of the facade, and windows opening upon the 
lawn. The moonshine directly over it, casting its 
shadow in sharp profile upon the grass, whence a 
pale reflected light glimmered upon its gray stone 
walls, covered here and there with ivy and creepers. 
Behind, and on either side, arose a tumultuous pha- 
lanx of pines, tossing their dark arms in fantastic 
"disarray against the pale purple sky, — a ghostly 
assemblage of silent shapes wildly beckoning or 
derisively pointing, fit accompaniments to the lonely 
house, to the amphitheatre of solemn mountains, in 
whose heart it lay, to the mystic voice of the river 
rushing now invisible at its feet. I stood before 
Nantgwillt. So seen, the best loved of Shelley's 
Welsh haunts aj^peared instinct with the spirit of 
Shelleyan landscape." 

The writer recognizes in the " labyrinthine dell " 
of " Alastor " " the tortuous curves of Cwm Elan," 
the pass, " where the abrupt mountain breaks, and 
seems with its accumulated crags to overhang the 
world," reads like a grandiose rendering of the rocks 
piled on each other to an immense height and inter- 
sected with clouds, which he describes in prose to his 
Portia or the mountain piles, that load in grandeur 
Cambrian's emerald vales. 

Mrs Hemans' biographer, in writing of her early 
days, says of her new abode near Abergele, North 
Wales, that it was one of great beauty, being near 
the sea, and surrounded by the high Welsh Hills. 
Here the precocious child must have drunk in full 
draughts of beauty from the scenery around her, to 
be reproduced in after years in her poems, which 

51 



manifest an intense appreciation and perfect knowl- 
edge of the beauties of natural scenery. 

Among other warm admirers of Welsh scenery 
may be mentioned such men as Wordsworth, Gray, 
Savage, Landor, Coombs, Kingsley, Gladstone, 
Bright, and Madame Patti. The famous diva has 
made South Wales her home for some years past. 
Her Craig-y-Nos (Night Rock) castle in the beautiful 
Swansea Valley is famed for its splendor and the 
magnificent hospitality of the noted songstress. She 
has expended much money on her castle, theatre and 
gardens. It is enriched with costly paintings and bric- 
a-brac gathered in Europe and other lands. Madame 
Patti takes much interest in the scenery and stirring 
traditions of the surrounding country. Here she 
delights to dwell, alternating her hospitality with 
charitable work, and admired by the interesting 
inhabitants of the peaceful vale. 

Is it craggy, nooky, wild passes that the tourist 
seeks? Then let him not fail to see the Pass of 
Aberglaslyn, near Beddgelert, with its cliffs of bare 
purple rock rising five or six hundred feet on either 
hand ; a rapid stream runing along the bottom of a 
channel full of scattered blocks of stone which have 
fallen from the heights above. If he wishes to see 
some of the handiwork of his Satanic Majesty, let 
him visit Devil's Bridge, a secluded nook fifteen or 
more miles from Aberystwyth, South Wales, with its 
hoar>' bridge, drinking bowl, waterfalls, treacherous 
gorges and placid streamlets, encircled by the most 
defiant crags. This is a delightful spot. Its express- 
ive silence is disturbed only by winged songsters, the 

52 



bleating of sheep, the farmer's horn, the falling of 
rocks into the gurgling waters, and the unreportable 
efifusions of an occasional prosaic tourist who sees 
nothing in the " uU business." The accommodation 
here is excellent. The drive to Aberystwyth is full 
of interest. If one enjoys lakes and lake scenery, 
Wales is noted for them. The best known are Lake 
Bala, in the North, four and one-half miles long and 
one mile wide; and Llangors Lake, in the South, 
which are dreamily beautiful. Both are well supplied 
with boats. Bewitching brooks, in the waters of which 
fine speckled beauties sport in abundance, are plenti- 
ful in North and South Wales. The disciples of 
Isaac Walton will be more than pleased with the 
rivers. Wye, Usk and Towy in the South, and the 
Dee and Clwyd in the North. 

If he wishes to study the sturdy castles, grand even 
in ruins, with their dismantled " wied turrets " and 
moss-grown battlements, laden with stirring associa- 
tions of the joyous and plaintive ; whose lonely halls 
are still invested with the heroic spirit of Past Wales. 
North and South Wales furnish excellent specimens. 

"Still fancy, with a magic power recalls 
The time when trophies graced the lofty walls ; 
When with enchanting spells the minstrel's art 
Could soften and inspire the melting heart." 

The most important are Cardigan, Aberystwyth, 
Neath, Cardiff, Caerphilly and Monmouth in the 
South, and Llangollen, Denbigh and Carnarvon in 
the North. Monmouth Castle was once the residence 
of Henry IV and the birthplace of Henry V. Tin- 
tern Abbey, near Monmouth, is said to be the finest 

53 



ruin in Europe. Carnarvon Castle, built by Edward 
I, about 1283, is a very fine structure. It is supposed 
that the first Prince of Wales was boni here, in the 
year 12S4. This is an intensely interesting neigh- 
borhood. 

There are many excellent specimens of architecture 
among the Welsh churches. About nine miles from 
Carnarvon, on the Pwllheli Road, is the village of 
Clynnog Fawr, " noted for its gothic church, said to 
be the most ecclesiastical structure in North Wales. 
Brodelwyddan Church, near St Asaph, is spoken of as 
a modern specimen of decorated gothic architecture, 
and one of the most beautifully finished churches in 
Wales. 

The sacred wells of Wales possess much interest. 
One of the most noted is St Winifreds. It is located 
fourteen miles from Rhyl, and its waters are supposed 
to be medicinal. Its flow of water is said to exceed one 
hundred tons a minute. Strange and weird traditions 
linger around these wells. In former days they were 
much frequented by love-sick maidens and others 
who sought infonnation, health, or redress for some 
wrong inflicted upon them by an enemy. It was in 
order for a love-sick maiden to utter certain lines of 
poetry, plunge her hand in the water and drop a 
bended pin into it. Hence the lines : 

" Plunge your hand in St Madryns Spring 
If true to the troth be the hand you bring, 
But if a false palm your fingers bare, 
Lay them on a red-hot ploughshare." 

In the following we have another example : 

54 



" Water, water, tell me truly, 
Is the man that 1 love 
On the earth or under the sod, 
Sick or well, in the name of God? 

The number of people that seek these cliarms are 
very few. It was customary in some parts for the 
seeker after health to plunge a rag into the well, wipe 
the affected part of the body, and hang it to a tree 
near the well. In other parts the rag is not put in 
the well at all, but simply tied to the tree for luck. 
Prof. Rhys, Oxford, gives the following interesting 
particulars about St Teilo's Well, which is credited 
with the power of curing whooping cough : " The 
water must be lifted out of the well and given to the 
patient to drink by somebody born in the house, or 
as the son put it, by the heir. It is given in a skull 
— St Teilo's skull " — which Teilo the professor's cra- 
niological knowledge was unable to determine. "The 
thing, however, to be noticed, is that here we have 
an instance of a well which was probably sacred 
before the time of St Teilo ; in fact, one would pos- 
sibly be right in supposing that the sanctity of the 
well and its immediate surrounding was one of the 
causes of the site being chosen by a Christian 
missionary. 

" The well of paganism was annexed by the saint, 
which established a belief ascribing to him the skull 
used in the well ritual. The landlady and her 
family, whose name, by the way, was the odd one of 
Melchior, it is true, do not believe in the efficacy of 
the well, or take gifts from those who visit it, but 
continue out of kindness to hand the skull full of 



55 



water to those who persist in believing in it. In 
other words, the faith in the well continues intact 
when the walls of the church have fallen into decay. 
Such is the great persistence of some ancient beliefs, 
and in this particular instance we have a successor 
which seems to point' unmistakably to an ancient 
Priesthood of the Well." 

Wales is noted for her summer resorts. The best 
known are, Tenby, Aberystwyth, Llanstephan, Mum- 
bles and Swansea, in the South, and Barmouth, 
Llandudno, Peumaenmawr and Rhyl, in the North. 
Llandudno is fitly known as the Brighton of Wales. 
Its climate is salubrious, and its facilities for bathing 
are excellent. It is also noted for its beautiful har- 
bor and objects of interest. Llandrindod and Llan- 
WTtyd, in South Wales, and Trefriw, in North Wales, 
are popular mineral springs, where thousands go for 
recreation every summer. Llandrindod is the more 
fashionable of the two. Their waters — saline, sul- 
phur and chalybeate, have excellent effect upon 
exhausted nature. With the exception of the diver- 
sions that the visitors create for themselves, there is 
little or nothing done by the owners of the grounds 
or inhabitants for their pleasure. Never .were the 
conditions more favorable for making these summer 
resorts attractive. It's more than forty years ago 
since a Welsh poet said of Llanwrtyd Wells : 

*' What striking contrast ! See the medley group. 
Here stands a dandy who can hardly stoop. 
With ring on finger, cane in hand to sway, 
As if to keep the \Tilgar herd away ; 
Watch fanners, too, who till their native soil. 
And wives with beaver hats, and sons of toil ; 

56 



Rich merchants, tradesmen, who have lost their health 
Hitlier resort to strengthen the weak frame. 
Who oft returned much better than they came." 

This picture is reproduced every summer, excepting- 
the graceful peaked hat, which has been totally 
discarded in this part of the country. 

Welsh scenery has, however, been severely criti- 
cised. The most prominent of its critics was the late 
witty Dean Swift. He said many prejudiced, dispar- 
aging and inaccurate things about the country. 
Englishmen, however, have survived all this, for they 
flock in thousands every summer to the Welsh coast. 

The physical configuration of Wales is extremely 
favorable to the development of a strong and inter- 
esting national character. 

Her majestic mountains, romantic valleys, undu- 
lating hills, placid lakes, swelling rivers and bracing 
climate, appeal powerfully to the eye, imagination 
and heart of her inhabitants. The typical Welsh- 
man is a lover of liberty, civil and religious. From 
the earliest times, he has championed her rights. To 
the tyrant, he has always proved a veritable son of 
thunder. 

How can he be otherwise, surrounded as he is by 
mountain fastnesses, and ancient castles that rehearse 
to him stirring traditions and memories of the strug- 
gles of his forefathers for freedom. If he was never 
conquered, it was partly because of the geographi- 
cal conditions of his native country. 

Again,the Welshman is very imaginative. His litera- 
ture is very old and valuable, and consists mainly of 
poetry that echoes the language of the rugged 

57 



country of his birth, and the aspirations, valor and 
achievements of a heroic ancestry. 

Hitherto, he has not, as a rule, engaged in work 
that demands laborious research. He is more of a 
poet than a philosopher. Like his reputed ancestors, 
the Galatians, he starts out vigorously, but too often 
lacks the perseverance to consummate his investiga- 
tions. He is very credulous. He is obstinate. He 
is impulsive, and very sensitive to kindness and 
injury. He is humane to a degree. If he does a wrong 
he is quick to repair it. He is passionately devoted 
to religion. He owes these characteristics, in a large 
measure, to the rich, rugged, varied and picturesque 
land of his birth. 



5«S 



The Welsb Uo^iia^e. 



" Eu hidith a gadwant," 

Their language they shall retain. 



Its Antiquity — Characteristics — The Ancient Tongue and English 
Coercion Laws — Richard John Davies — How it impresses For- 
eigners — Its Rejuvenation — Anecdote — Welsh and the Educational 
Code — Welsh in the Universities of Wales — Societies for its Devel- 
opment — Welsh in Courts of Law — Welsh in St Paul's — Its Future. 

The Welsh is a branch of the Celtic tongue, which 
was, at one time, the prevailing tongue of Europe. 
It belongs to the class designated as High Celtic, and 
is the oldest of these dialects. With the exception of 
the Armoric, spoken in Brittany, and the Welsh, the 
other dialects constituting the Celtic language, Irish, 
Scotch, Manx and Cornish are practically dead. 
It is perfectly safe to claim for this interesting tongue 
extreme antiquity. It has strong affinities with old 
Gallic, the language of Gaul (France), which became 
extinct about the sixth century. Ancient Welsh 
bears marks of considerable Latin influence. It- is 
claimed that prior to the Christian era it resembled 
the Latin in sounds, declensions and syntax. At that 
time the letters of the alphabet were not as numer- 
ous as at present, neither did it possess the double 
consonants ch, dd, ng, 11, th, nor the vowels w 
and y. It was also bereft of initial mutation. Great 
antiquity is claimed for Coelbren y Beirdd, Letters 

59 



of the the Bards, a distinctive Welsh alphabet. 
It is doubtful whether it existed prior to the adop- 
tion of Roman letters, as some Welsh Philologists 
claim. The Ogamic-Gaelic — is the oldest Celtic 
alphabet. While investigating certain monuments 
in Wales and other parts of the United King- 
dom, Prof. Rhys found inscriptions which con- 
tained these ancient letters. The Welsh language is 
rich in elementary sounds. Dr. W. O. Pughe, the 
eminent Welsh Philologist, gives the following com- 
parative estimate of elementary sounds peculiar to 
the following languages: English, thirty-eight; Ger- 
man, thirty-one; French, thirty-nine; Latin, forty-five; 
Hebrew, sixty-five ; Persian, one hundred and twenty- 
two ; Arabic, one hundred and forty-eight, and Welsh, 
two hundred and thirteen. Of the sixty-five sounds 
peculiar to Hebrew, thirty have the same function 
and significance as similar sounds contained in the 
Welsh, while the Arabic has sixty-three and the 
Persian sixty-one, of which the same is true. If this 
estimate is correct its claim to great antiquity is 
well founded. 

The principal characteristic of modern Welsh 
,is initial mutation. These changes of consonants 
take place by declension, and the influence of preced- 
ing words. The following nine consonants undergo 
these changes: C, P, T; B, D, G; LI, M, Rh. The 
following is an example: Car, Friend, ei gar, his 
friend, fy ngar, my friend, ei char, her friend. Thus 
C changes into g, ngh and ch; p into b, mh and ph; 
F into D, Nh and Th; B into F and M; D into Dd 
and N; G into ng; 11 into 1, m into F and rh into R. 

60 



It will be of interest to point out some of the pecu- 
liar sounds of the Welsh language. C takes the 
sound of K in ken; eh is sounded gutturally as in 
loch, the nearest approach to the sound of dd in 
English is th in them, but it hardly conveys the 
sound. F takes the sound of V in van, and ff the 
sound of f in fan, g as in get, 11 has no equivalent in 
English, w as oo in moon, u as ee in week, and y as i 
in mint. The oldest example of Welsh extant is 
believed to be the inscription carved on the tomb- 
stone of Cadvan, who was buried in Towyn, Merion- 
ethshire, North Wales. It is ascribed by^ some to the 
sixth century, and by others to the eighth. 

The Welsh has been criticized because of its many 
consonants and harsh gutturals. All who are ac- 
quainted with the tongue know that this statement 
is erroneous. For rugged strength, coupled with 
flexibility and grace, the Welsh is not surpassed. As 
an illustration of its capacity in this direction we 
quote the following Welsh stanza on the spider, 
which does not contain a single consonant, and 
which is remarkable for its euphony: 

" O'i wyw wy i wau e' a — o'i vvyau 

Ei weau e' weua, 

E' weua ei we aua' 

A'i weuau yw ieuau ia." 

The following is a translation of it: 

" From his pretty eggs to weave he goes, 
And his web from his eggs he weaves 
He weaves his winter web, 
And his webs are threads of ice." 

Those acquainted with standard Welsh writings 
know that the tongue is as euphonious as it is strong. 

6i 



Excepting Ionian Greek, there is not a language 
that contains more vowels than Welsh. Dr. W. C. 
Roberts, the eminent educator, says: " It (Welsh) 
depends almost entirely on its roots, and is as soft and 
mellow as the Italian. It has been ridiculed because 
of is deep gutturals; but has not as many as the 
German language has, nor as many consonants as the 
English." That it has successfully resisted the with- 
ering influences of the rise and decline of several 
civilizations speaks well of it. It has witnessed the 
decay of languages that were once perched on the 
dizzy eminence of fame, such as Greek and Latin, 
and it possesses to-day its old time rhythm and 
strength. 

In the reign of Henry VIII, an act was passed that 
added Ellesmere and Oswestry to Salop, and also de- 
creeing that no person or persons that use the W>lsh 
speech or language shall have or enjoy any manner 
of office or fees within this realm of England, Wales 
or other of the King's dominions, unless they exer- 
cise the English. This act is said to be passed out 
of the " singular zeal, love and favor that the King 
bareth to Wales," which "justly and righteously is 
and ever hath been incorporated, annexed, united 
and subject, and under the Imperial crown of this 
realm as a very member and joint of the same." 
Welsh Coercion Laws provided that " no Welshman 
could buy any land, could hold any office under the 
Government, or become a householder in the city or 
borough." Those who married Welsh girls were 
treated as Welsh born. " No weapon was to be car- 
ried by any man on his way to any court or fair. No 

62 



person should make a carol singing collection, for 
fear the English might be lampooned in song, and 
no wrestling or leaping games were to be set np. 
The penalty was twelve months imprisonment. 

As late as 1866, the London Times said : "All 
that is valuable in the language belongs to the past. 
For all practical purposes, Welsh is a dead language." 
The Welsh tongue has survived this senseless perse- 
cution ; and the English have discarded the delusive 
idea that Welsh loyalty to England would be greatly 
improved by the extinction of that native tongue. 
These have been the least dangerous among its perse- 
cutions. It has taken to its bosom foes of the sub- 
tlest kind. There are unfortunately Welshmen (?) 
who as soon as they acquire a smattering of the Eng- 
lish language and become the flunkeys of English- 
men, who refer to the old tongue as the harsh, un- 
couth, horrid Welsh ! Some of them, however, 
deny it in toto. If there is an execrable being in 
the sight of patriotic Welshmen, it is the man who 
denies his native tongue. To him Richard John 
Davies (Die Siona) the nom de nique of those who 
deny their native tongue is the quintessence of mean- 
ness. So deep rooted is their disgust of these tra- 
ducers of country, that one of the Welsh aphorisms 
says : " Cas give na charo' 'rwlad a'i niacco." Cursed 
be the traducer of his native land. 

" He shall go down 
To the vile dust from which he sprung, 
Unwept, unhonored and unsung." 

There is an indefinable something about the 
tongue, to the native, that is simply irresistible. 

63 



When he desires to express his deepest and best 
thoughts, he must do it in Welsh. This is particu- 
larly true when he wishes to express his spiritual 
emotions. No amount of culture or change of envi- 
ronment can eradicate this deep-seated feeling. An 
English sermon may please him, but a Welsh sermon 
enthuses him. This devotion to tongue has been 
sadly misunderstood, and sometimes misinterpreted. 
Foolish motives have been ascribed for its perpetua- 
tion. Some tourists have poked fun at its expense, 
because of some unpronouncable word or words that 
they come across in " doing " very hurriedly a portion 
of the North Wales coast. 

We give an example: An eminent critic on other 
matters comes across the eternal, Llanfairpwllgwy- 
ngyllgerychwyrndrobwlltysiliogogoch, the reputed 
name of a North Wales village, and is astonished at 
the barbarity of the tongue. He sums up his im- 
pressions of the Welsh tongue thus: " It is a mystery 
how the Sons of Cambria cling to their vernacular, 
and that the Severn and the Dee divide as with 
impassable barrier one nationality from another. 
Some ascribe this antipathy to the English tongue 
to the remembered cruelties of the Lancastrian 
family; others to the teachings of the ancient bards, 
and the revival throughout the Principality of the 
Eisteddfodau with its competitive exercises." 

Whew ! When will intelligent tourists leani that 
Welshmen cling to the Welsh for precisely the same 
reasons that other nationalities cling to their native 
tongue. Dr. Mathews tells of a lake in Webster, 
Massachusetts, that is krown by the euphonious 

64 



name of Chargoggagogmanchanggogoggogungama- 
ngg) where New Yorkers and others seek change and 
rest. Imagine a Welshman " doing " America and 
wondering why Americans spoke English, because he 
came in contact with this lake. 

It will be interesting to note what some intelligent 
foreigners think of the old tongne. 

''Jnly 19th and 20th, 181 5, the late Rev. Robert 
Hall, the celebrated English divine, then of Leices- 
ter, attended the Baptist Missionary Congress held at 
Swansea. Thelmeetings over, the Ministers met for a 
social talk. ' Do you,' asked Mr. Hall of one of the 
ministers, 'preach English?' 'Seldom,' was the 
reply, ' there is no need of it.' 'Very good, I was 
told that the Welsh was fast disappearing. Pray, 
are there books published in Welsh now?' 'Yes,' 
replied one of the ministers, ' more than in any 
previous period of our history, but,' he added, ' it 
would be very desirable if the whole kingdom spoke 
all English or all Welsh.' 'Not so, sir, by any 
means,' replied he, with much vigor, ' it would be an 
incalculable loss to learning, sir; I would not for the 
world? hardly see the Welsh die. It's a shame and 
wrong that anyone fails to preserve his native tongue. 
The language ought to be preserved religiously; this 
is next to Religion, sir ; every man that enjoys his 
faculties ought to know God first, and then his native 
tongue. The extinction of a tongue is a great loss ; 
because the more languages we know, the wider our 
knowledge becomes. Every tongue furnishes the 
mind with new ideas on the same subjects. We learn 
different languages at great cost ; but in Wales, one 

65 



can become familiar with Welsh, a tongue, I am told 
that is rich and varied, on easy terms. Seize your 
opportunity; every Welshman ought to immortalize it. 

Naturally, the Welsh ministers present were agree- 
ably surprised at these utterances. Mr. T. Darling- 
ton, M. A. Principal of Queen's College, Taunton, 
England, delivered an address at Liverpool upon the 
W^elsh language. In reviewing the address a corre- 
spondent says : "Speaking as a strong supporter of 
the preservation of the Welsh language, he considered 
that its strongest claim to be preserved was its vital 
connection with Welsh Nationalism." 

The nations of the world had now been thoroughly 
awakened to the conciousness, that each in its sphere 
had certain special work to do and special lessons to 
teach, and the Welsh people had been behind in rec- 
ognizing and properly appreciating this. The Celtic 
Nation had in the past accomplished a glorious 
mission in the field of literature and enlightment, 
and had like the ancient Greeks, conquered their 
conquerors by bringing them into mental slavery. 

"Welshmen must not be satisfied 
with transferring English culture into Welsh soil ; 
they must aim at a national enlightment of their own, 
and the only hope to the nation would be to develop 
on its own lines, based upon the preservation of 
the Welsh language. True Welshmen must learn 
English, but along with that accomplishment let 
them speak their native tongue. 

Tlie Welsh language had not kept pace with 
modem thought, but the English had, so that in that 
sense the language of Welshmen must be English. 

66 



All the old feelings, ideas, however — those of the 
home, love, poetry and religion, would centre round 
the Welsh language. A man thus nourished, men- 
tally and religiously from two sources, would be 
better and stronger than one whose culture had been 
one-sided." These utterances by an unprejudiced, 
cultured Knglishman, who had acquired Welsh, 
speak for themselves. 

Canon Farrar, the eminent English clergyman, 
delivered an address in Bangor Eisteddfod in 1890, 
In referring to the Welsh language, he said: " A 
language with such a remarkable history and a liter- 
ature so valuable and pure ought to be perpetuated. 
He spoke of it as " a language that possessed hun- 
dreds of poetical works before the Saxons boasted of 
a literature; a language the poetry of which the 
Latin Poet, Lucian, 50 B. C, referred to; a language 
that had so largely colored English literature; that 
inspired Shakespeare to rise to such altitudes of con- 
ception; that influenced Milton so much, whose 
mother was a Welsh lady — when we remember these 
things, we cannot but hope that that prophecy will 
be fulfilled: 

" Their God they'll praise 
Their language retain," etc. 

This graceful estimate of the ancient tongue, by so 
accomplished a scholar and keen critic, more than 
pleased his numerous auditors. 

From a learned and vigorous article on the Welsh 
Language, I quote : * " It has most of the peculiar 

*The name of the authoress I fail to recall, but the article appeared in 
one of our magazines, about two years ago, 

67 



excellencies of the ancient languages — such as the 
power of the Hebrew Hithpahel, and verbs of the 
Greek INIiddle Voice — verbs which modern languages 
cannot express without circumlocution. The Seven 
English words in Luke xvii, 7: "Be thou plucked 
up by the root," do not contain the full meaning of 
the original word ekrisotheti, but the Welsh word 
" Ymddadwreiddia " gives the full meaning." 

The rejuvenation of the ancient tongue is already 
a fact. Intelligent outsiders are bending their ener- 
gies to learn it. All are not successful, however. 

A good story is told of a young man who lived 
with a Machynlleth Clergyman, of Welsh descent, who 
became suddenly anxious to learn the Welsh language. 
One day he asked the Clergyman to pronounce the 
name of his native village, and the good man gave 
him the word Llanrhaidrmochnant. After meditat- 
ing for a moment, it was given him again and again 
properly pronounced. Then he inquired with much 
animation : " Say, do you spit before or after 
the Ch ? " 

Welshmen have secured valuable concessions from 
the government regarding Welsh. Two school books 
at least have been published for the teaching of 
Welsh as a specific subject. The school inspectors 
testify that where Welsh is taught, the children have 
improved in English. Welsh is recognized by Chairs 
in the three universities, Aberystwith, Cardiff, and 
Bangor. 

Unlike the Germans, the Welsh, as a people, are 
not enthusiastic about teaching their children the 
vernacular. In some parts of Wales the tongue is an 

68 



unseemly cross between Welsh and English. This is 
strange in view of the fact that in many parts of 
Wales, the Welsh tongue is an al)solute necessity in 
business and religion. Judge Gwilym Williams the 
accomplished Jurist and Patriot says : " For some 
time to come, and possibly during the ages of the 
children now brought up, a knowledge of Welsh will 
be indispensable to fill public appointments in Church 
and State in the Country." 

The Welsh Dialect Society in connection with the 
Bangor University is doing excellent work for the 
study of Welsh dialect. During my sojourn in WaleS) 
I was delighted to hear Welsh in a Court of Law. 
Judge Gwilym Williams spoke freely in the vernacu- 
lar, to the evident satisfaction of complainant and 
defendant. Why Welshmen have been compelled so 
long to testify in a tongue that they know imperfectly, 
is hard to understand. Lord Chief Justice Coleridge 
said in the Merionethshire Assizes : " I know PVench, 
and converse with some freedom in that tongue, but 
I would hesitate to give testimony or to be cross-ex- 
amined in that language. Upon every consideration 
I would choose to give my testimouy in the English 
language, which I am most familiar with." Just so. 
And the Welshman would choose to give his testimony 
in the vernacular which he too is most familiar with. 
In some of these courts, the interpreter's fee is col- 
lected with the additional risk of misinterpretation, 
which occurs frequently. 

In the near future, Judges who preside in the 
Welsh courts of law will need an additional accom- 
plishment — Welsh. 

69 ' 



Early in the year 1890, a distinctive Welsh Relig- 
ious Service was held in St Paul's, London.. As far 
as can be learned, this was the first time that the 
musical rhythm of the j>ood old tongue resounded 
within this historic and sacred building. It is esti- 
mated that S,ooo Welshmen were present. The 
sermon was preached by Bishop Edwards. The 
meeting is described as being enthusiastic through- 
out. On the eve of St David's Day, 1892, a similar 
service was held in the same church, when the 
eloquent Archdeacon Howell preached the sermon, 
and the Welsh Lord Mayor of London attended in 
State. These incidents are seemingly unimportant, 
but they point unmistakably to the steady develop- 
ment of a strong nationalism that will fit Wales to 
work out her destiny with a better purpose and aim. 
Much complaint is nuule that Saxon worship is 
increasing in Wales. Much of this is foolish senti- 
mentalism. That English is spreading in Wales is 
an undisputable fact. This is just as it should be. 
Welshmen have been handicapped too long by a 
foolish neglect of the luiglish tongue. \'ery wisely, 
they have decided to enter the broader English field, 
and acquire the mastery of the language. This 
change is in the line of real progress. Let Welsh 
and Knglish go hand in hand, and true patriotism 
will nourish while the people's enlightment and 
growth will follow as a natural consequence. 

" (.Vs y byd ir laith Gynuaeg." 



Welsh Literature. 



" The Welsh arc llie only branch of the Celtic family who arc able 
to greet this homage of tiie learned with a living literature." 

— Lord Bute. 

Tradition claims the existence of British writinj^i^s 
prior to the Roman invasion. Giklas, the British 
Historian, who lived in the sixth centnry states that 
if they ever existed, they were either destroyed by 
fire or lost otherwise. The earliest Welsh writings 
extant belong to the sixth centnry. The great poets 
of this period were Anenrin, Llywarch Hen, Talie- 
sin and Myrddin. The age was heroic, and natnrally 
its literature was of the same character. Nash's 
Taliesin questions the antiquity of these poems. He 
says that they were written by monks in the twelfth 
century and ante-dated in order to effect their sale. 
The external and internal evidences of the poems 
show that his conclusions were not well founded. 

Anenrin was the oldest of these eminent poets. 
He flourished A. D. 510-560. He was the son of Caw 
ab Geraint, the lord of Cwni Cowlyd in North Wales. 
When the family estates were confiscated, Aueurin's 
father was befriended by Maelgwyn Gwynedd, Prince 
of North Wales, who gave him an estate in Anglesea. 
Aueurin was present at the battle of Cattraeth, A. D. 
540 (some say 560), when a large number of Welsh 
Princes and others were slain. "His Gododin," a 

71 



heroic poem containing nine hundred and twenty 
lines, rehearses the tragic events of that famous 
battle. It will be interesting to quote a part, at 
least, of the ancient poem, as translated by Mr. 
Thomas Gray, author of the " Elegy Written in a 
Country Churchyard." It reads: 

" Had I but the torrents' might, 

With headlong rage and wild affright, 

Upon Deira's squadrons hurled, 

To rush and sweep them from the world ! 

Too, too secure in youthful pride. 

By them my friend my Hoel, dy'd. 

Great Clan's son; of Madoc old. 

He asked no heaps of hoarded gold ; 

Alone in Nature's wealth arrayed 

He asked and had the lovely maid. 

To Cattraeth's vale, in glitt'ring row, 
Twice two hundred warriors go ; 
Every warrior's manly neck 
Chains of regal honor deck, 
Wreath'd in many a golden link: 
From the golden cup they drink 
Nectar that the bees produce, 
Or the grapes' ecstatic juice. 
Flushed with mirth and hope they burn. 
But none from Cattraeth's vale return. 
Save Aaron brave and Conan strong, 
(Bursting through the bloody throng). 
And I, the meanest of them all." 

Llywarch Hen lylywarch, the aged, lived in the 
sixth century. He, too, was present at the battle of 
Cattraeth, at which he lost three sons. He fled to the 
Court of Cynddylan, Prince of Powys, Merioneth- 
shire. He died at Llanfor, near Bala, North Wales, 
at a very advanced age. Disaster and death embit- 
tered his spirit. The following is an example of 
his lament : 

72 



'* Cynddylan's hearth is dark to-night, 
Cynddylan's halls are lone ; 
War's fires have revelled o'er their might, 
And still their minstrel's tone, 
And I am left to chant apart 
One murmur of a broken heart. 

Pengwern's* blue spears are gleamless now, 

Her revelry is still ; 

The sword has blanched his chieftain's brow, 

Her fearless sons are chill : 

And pagan feet to dust have trod 

The blue-robed messengers of God.f 

Cynddylan's shield, Cynddylan's pride, 
The wandering snows are shading. 
One palace pillar stands to guide 
The woodbines verdant braiding; 
And I am left from all apart, 
The minstrel of a broken heart." 

Taliesin, a contemporary of Aneuriii, is by com- 
mon consent the prince of the sixth century bards. 
It is claimed that he was a native of North Cardigan- 
shire. A small village in that section of the country 
is still known by the name Taliesin, and is claimed 
to be his birthplace. During his early life he served 
in the court of Prince Gwyddno, Cantre Gwaelod, as 
family bard and tutor. 

Later in life, he became connected with the court 
of Urien Rheged, prince of Cumbria, who gained 
the famous Gwentraeth victory, which the poet im- 
mortalized in verse. He wrote extensively. It is 
claimed that seventy-seven of his poems are still 
extant. There is reason to believe that some of the 
poems attributed to him belong to a later period. 

* Shrewsbury. 
fThe bards. 

72> 



His poetry is remarkable for its intense passion, 
characterization and diction. In his poem on the 
battle of Gwentraeth, the portraiture of the stirring 
events is bold, minute and animated. 

The Encyclopaedia Brittanica says of the Celtic 
literature of that period, " that in the brevity of the 
narrative, the careless boldness of the actors as they 
present themselves, the condensed energy of the 
action, and the fierce exultation of the slaughter, 
together with the recurring elegiac note, this produc- 
tion exhibits some of the highest epic qualities. We 
quote portions of this poem : 

See Prydyn's men, .1 valiant train, 
Rush along Gwenystrad's plain ! 
Bright their spears for war addrest, 
Raging vengeance fires their breast ; 
Shouts like ocean's roar arise, 
Tear the air and pierce the sky. 
Here they urge their tempest force ! 
Nor camp, nor forest turns their course : 
Their breath the shrieking yield. 
O'er all the desolated field. 
lUit lo; the daring hosts engage ! 
Dauntless hearts and flaming rage, 
And ere the direful morn is o'er. 
Mangled limbs and reeking gore 
And crimson torrents whelm the ground. 
Wild destruction stalking round ; 
Fainting warriors gasp for breath, 
t)r struggle in the toils of death. 

1 mark amidst the rolling flood. 
Where hardy warriors stained with blood, 
Drop their blunt arms and join the dead, 
Gray billows curling o'er their head : 
Mangled with wounds, and vainly brave. 
At once they sink beneath the wave. 



74 



But when Rheged's chief pursues, 
His way through iron ranks he hews, 
Hills pil'd on hills, the strangers bleed : 
Amazed, I view his daring deeds. 

The earliest British prose writings extant are the 
histories of Giklas, Nennius and Tysilio. They claim 
to give the history of Britain from the earliest times 
to the Saxon conqnest and later. The Historia 
Britonum treats of British history as late as the tenth 
century. It is supposed that these works were based 
upon earlier writings not extant. 

The Triads ( threes ) bear marks of great antiquity. 
They are attributed to the fourth centiiry before 
Christ. They consist of wise maxims, historical 
events and moral principles. We quote some of them : 

I. 

" The three consummate perfections of God are : 
The one infinife life ; infinite knowledge ; and infin- 
nite plentitude of power." 

II. 

"The three grand powers of the soul are : Af- 
fection ; understanding; and will." 

III. 
" The three grand operations of the mind or man 
are: To think; to choose ; and to perform." 

IV. 
" The three qualifications of poetry: Endow- 
ment of genius ; judgment from experience ; and 
happiness of mind." 

V. 
" The three requisites of genius : An eye that 
can see nature ; a heart that can feel nature ; and 
holdness that dares follow nature." 

VI. 
" The three foundations of judgment: Bold 
design ; constant practice; and frequent mistakes. 

VII. 
"The three foundations of learning: Seeing 
much ; suffering much ; and studying much. 

75 



The Mabinogion (Youthful Diversions) culled by the 
patriotic and indefatigable Lady Charlotte Guest con- 
tains tales and romances of ancient and modern 
times. Their chief characteristics are " quaintness 
of style, vividness of description, and comic exagger- 
ation." English, Gennan and French linguists have 
made these a study. There is hardly a university of 
note in England and the Continent of Europe that 
does not have its Celtic chair, which makes such 
works as the Mabinogion a necessity to their students. 

Mr. Sidney Lanier says of these legends: " Though 
not so rich as the Arabian Nights, they are more 
vigorous, and their fascination is of a more manful 
quality. They impress most readers w4tli a greater 
sense of foreignness, of a wholly different cultus than 
even Chinese or other antipodal tales ; and over and 
above this there is a glamour and sleep-walking mys- 
tery which often inclines a man to rub his eyes in the 
midst of a INIabinogi, and to think of previous states. 
The greatest literary product of the tenth century 
was the celebrated laws of Howell the Good, fittingly 
known as the Welsh Justinian, They have been 
compiled in three volumes by Aneurin Owen under the 
following heads : 

L Laws governing court officials and customs. 

II. Laws of the land. 

III. Criminal laws, and others that regulated the 
price of various animals, furniture, etc. 

The court laws defined the prerogatives and privi- 
leges of the King and Queen, and the duties of the 
court officials and royal attendants. The Hywelian 
code of laws are older than the Breton laws of the 

76 



Irish; in fact, they are tlic oldest body of laws in 
European legal literature. Some maintain that they 
were based on the earlier laws of Dyfnwal Moelniud, 
while others believe that they were largely ins])ired 
by Roman legal literature. Judged by the light of 
to-day, some of these laws will apjDear ludicrous and 
even cruel, but taking the times and circumstances 
of their origin into consideration, they are remarka- 
ble both for their wisdom and learning. They give 
us a fair idea of the civilization of those times. They 
defined minutely the office, i)Osition and duties of 
priests, bards and musicians of the court. The Bardd 
y Teuln — family bard was an important personage. 
He sat next to the Prince at table, and with harp in 
hand, played " Unbenneath Prydain," the Monarchy 
of Britain, an ancient song, together with other se- 
lections. The old song doubtless referred to the time 
when the Kymry were the rightful and peaceful po.s- 
sessors of the entire island. The bard accompanied 
the army to battle, and rehearsed the ancient song 
during the preparation for conflict and the division of 
spoils. 

The following laws governed the bards during 
Howell the Good's time : 

" If there should be fighting, the bard shall sing 
' The Monarchy of Britain ' in front of the battle." 

" The bard president shall sit at the Royal table." 

" When a bard shall ask a gift of a Prince, let him 
sing one piece ; when he asks of a baron, let him sing 
three pieces." 

" His land shall be free, and he shall have a horse 
in attendance from the King." 

11 



"The Chief of song shall begin the singing in the 
common hall." 

"He shall be next but one to the patron of the 
family." 

"He shall have a harp from the king, and a gold 
ring from the qneen when his office is secured to him. 
The harp he shall never part with." 

When a song is called for, the Bard President shall 
begin; the first song shall be addressed to God, the 
next to the king. The Domestic Bard shall sing to 
the queen and royal household. 

These laws indicate that there were three classes 
of Bards attached to the Court — the Bard President, 
the Chief of Song, and the Domestic Bard. 

There were inferior minstrels who roamed the 
country and sang to the harp wherever their services 
were required. The encouragement given by the 
Court to Literature and Religion proved a noble 
impulse to the intellectual and moral life of those 
days. 

• The Arthurian Legends by Geoffrey of Monmouth 
a Welsh Priest of the twelfth century are intensely 
interesting. They have proved that they are a fruit- 
ful source of a world of romantic and chivalric lit- 
erature. No English poet from Drydeu to Tennyson 
has cared to escape the fascination of these beautiful 
legends. That they have largely colored European 
literature is a fact. We have a striking instance in 
Tennyson's Idylls of the king. 

The dawn of the thirteenth Century produced 
Dafydd Ab Gwihui, perhaps the greatest poet that 
Wales ever posessed. The story of his birth and 

78 



early youth are tinged with romance. The balance 
of well informed opinion is in favor of the year 1300. 
Various places are mentioned as his birthplace, 
notably Ikoginin, Cardiganshire. He received a 
liberal education at the expense of an uncle Llewellyn 
Ab Gwilym Bychan, a large land owner of Emlyn, 
Carmarthenshire. The youth wasof precocious talent. 
vSome of his poetical writings produced at fifteen 
years of age are still extant. 

He found a noble patron in Ifor Hael, (Ifor the 
Generous) a man of wealth, fine literary tastes and a 
true patriot. Dafydd Ab Gwilym wrote at length in 
praise of this grand man and his distinguished house. 
In 1789, through the munificence of Mr. Owen Jones, 
(Myfyr) London, a volume containing 262 of the 
poet's poems was issued, edited by Dr. W. Owen 
Pugh, the eminent Welsh scholar. Ab (xwilym is 
distinguished as a writer of love songs. In this con- 
nection he has been compared to Petrarch, and not 
without ;'eason. I>oth poets wrote a large number of 
love songs, Petrarch to his loving I^aura, and Dafydd 
Ab Gwilym to his affectionate Morfudd. 

Both men were princes in their art and otherwise 
had much in common. But this sweet singer was 
something more than a prolific and successful writer 
of love songs; he was an ardent student of nature, man 
and God. His breadth of view and 'range of sympa- 
thies were phenomenal. Nothing apparently escaped 
the sweeping vision of this .seer. The myriad objects 
of Earth, Sea and Sky inspired his remarkable lyre. 
The rushing wind and the gentle zephyr, the my.s- 
terious ocean and the tiny rivulet, the strong-pinioned 

79 



eagle and the tiny sparrow, the wily fox and the 
innocent lamb, all alike fascinated his genius. 

" Many times he hath been seene 
With the fairies on the greene, 
And to them his pipe did sound 
As they danced in a round ; 
Mickle solace would they make him, 
And at midnight often wake him, 
And convey him from his roome. 
To a field of yellow broome. 
Or into the meadows where 
Mints perfume the gentle air, 
And where Flora spreads her treasure, 
There they would begin their measure. 

Safely home they then would see him. 
And from brakes and quagmires free him. 
There are few such swains as he now-a-days 
for harmony. 

Some of his work is on spiritual themes. His 
poems entitled "God," "The Trinity," etc., show him 
to be an intense thinker. His poetry loses none of 
its strength and flavor because it embraced such a 
wide range of subjects. His wide atid accurate 
knowledge of men and things, intense poetic fervor 
and complete mastery of the metrical rules peculiar 
to Welsh poetry stamped him as a poet of exceptional 
merit. 

Prof. Cowell of Cambridge, refers to him as "one 
of the renowned poets of the world." He says fur- 
ther : "If I were asked to describe in a few words Ab 
Gwilym's position among the renowned poets of the 
world, I should characterize him as the poet of fancy. 
He occasionally has bursts of imagination, and 
occasionally he has tender touches of pathos and 

80 



sentiment, but he was not a Bnrns, and we must not 
look in him for those intense utterances of passion 
which we find in Burns." 

The well-known English author, Mr. Borrow, says 
that Ab Gwilym was the greatest poetical genius that, 
has appeared in Europe since the revival of literature. 
He adds : " Dafydd Ab Gwilym was the Welsh Ovid;, 
but he was something more ; he was the Welsh Hor- 
ace in his best moods. But he was something more ; 
he was the Welsh Martial, and wrote pieces equal in 
pungency to those of the great Roman epigrammat- 
ist, perhaps more than equal, for we never heard that 
any of Martial's epigrams killed anybody, whereas 
Ab Gwilym's piece of vituperation on Rhys Meigan 
caused the Welshman to fall down dead. But he was 
yet something more ; he could, if he pleased, be a 
Tyrtseus. He wrote an ode on a sword — the only 
warlike piece he ever wrote> — the best poem on the 
subject ever written in any language. Finally, he 
was something more ; he was what not one of the 
great Latin poets was — a Christian." 

The limits of this chapter forbid lis quoting at 
length from the writings of this distinguished poet, 
hence we select the following brief poems, which 
will give the reader a faint idea of the strength and 
grace of his poetry : 

TO THE WHITE GULL. 

" Bird that dwellest in the spray, 
Far from mountains, woods away, 
Sporting — blending with the sea 
Like the moonbeam — gleamily. 
Wilt thou leave thy sparkling chamber 
Round my lady's tower to clamber? 

8i 



Thou shiilt fairer charms behold 

Than Taliesin's tongue has told, 

Than Merddin sang, or loved, or knew — 

Lily nursed on ocean's dew — 

Say (recluse of yon wild sea), 

She is all in all to me. " 

TO THE LARK. 
Sentinel of the morning light ! 
Reveller of the spring ! 
How sweetly, nobly, wild thy flight, 
Thy boundless journeying : 
Far from thy brethren of the woods, alone 
A hermit chorister before God's throne, 
Oh ! wilt thou climb yon heavens for me. 
Yon ramparts starry height ? 
Thou interlude of melody, 
Twixt darkness and the light, 
And seek with heaven's first dawn upon thy crest, 
My lady love, the moonbeam of the west. 
No woodland caroller art thou; 
Far from the archer's eye, 
Thy course is o'er the mountain's brow. 
Thy music in the sky : 
Then fearless float thy path of cloud along, 
Thou earthly denizen of angel song.'* 

The Welsh can justly boast of an excellent collec- 
tion of love songs. They are intensely natural, in- 
stinct with poetical fervor, and considering the times 
in which they were written, are exceptionally pure. 

Hugh Morris, 162 2-1 709, was a gifted song writer. 
His best work was addressed to a mythical Gwen. 
These verses are model examples of love songs. The 
modern love song entitled, Y Gwenith Gwyn — The 
White Wheat — composed by Will Hopkin, in honor 
of his betrothed, the Maid of Cefn-Ydfa, 1 704-1 727, 
whom he faithfully woed, won and honorably lost 
is very popular among the Kymry. 

♦Jenkins' Poetry of Wales. 

82 



Rev. Rees Pritchard, M. A., better known as "Good 
Vicar Pritchard", A. D. 1 579-1 644, Llandovery, South 
Wales occupies a prominent position among the re- 
ligious poets of Wales. His Canwylly Cymry, (Welsh- 
man's Candle,) has enjoyed great popularity It con- 
sists of religious poems and carols. His poetry 
wrought grandly for the intellectual and moral lives 
of his contemporaries. No man exerted a more 
wholesome and lasting influence on his nation than 
the consecrated Llandovery Vicar. 

The next great literateur in this cursory glance 
of Welsh literature is Lewis Morris, the grandfather 
of Lewis Morris, of Epic of Hades fame. He was 
born in Anglesea, March 12, 1702. His early occu- 
pation was surveying. His natural gifts were versa- 
tile. It was a common saying in those times that 
he could make a harp and play it, construct a ship 
and steer it, com])ose a poem and intone it, to the 
accompaniment of a harp after the manner of his times. 
He held several positions under the English govern- 
ment, such as collector of customs and inspector of 
harbors in his native land. In 1748 he published 
his investigations in a volume entitled : " Plans of 
Harbors, Bars, Bays and Roads in St. George's Chan- 
nel." He wrote much in the English language that 
will live. His style is good. He is credited with 
the honor of introducing the first printing press in 
North Wales. This took place at Bodedern, near 
Holyhead. He was also the tutor and friend of that 
distinguished Welsh scholar and poet, Goronwy Owen. 
His poetical writings consist of thirty or more pro- 
ductions, comprising several bond-metre, poems, stan- 

83 



zas and verses of three lines, which at that time was 
a popular form of poetry. His poetical genius is best 
expressed in the popular poems, " The Maids of Fair 
Merioneth," and " The Pirates of Crigyll Rocks." 
These poems show to advantage the versatility of his 
poetical gifts. During his latter years, he wrote much 
on " The Antiquities of Wales " in the Cambrian 
Register . These letters show scholarly research and 
finish. His valuable collection of Welsh manuscripts 
embracing eighty volumes are preserved in the Brit- 
ish ISIuseum. He died full of labours and honors 
April II, 1765, age 63. 

The following English specimen of the bond- 
metre peculiar to Welsh poetry may prove interest- 
ing. The stanza was composed by Gwilym Mechain. 

THE MOON. 
" In calm silence on comes sailing — the moon 
Through the mist of evening ; 
As yonder she's ascending 
Starry sprays in clusters spring." 

Rev. William Williams, the preacher-poet, gener- 
ally known as " the sweet Psalmist of Wales " is the 
best known of Welsh hymnologists. He is regarded 
by Welsh IMethodists as the ripest product of their 
great Revival. He was a voluminous writer. His 
principal poems are " A View of Christ's Kingdom " 
and " Theomemphus ". The former work is an exul- 
tation of Christ, the Saviour of the World, the cen- 
tral factor of the great religious awakening which 
they were then enjoying. " Theomemphus " is a 
work of rare poetical merit ; it is intensely natural 
and embodies at length the conversion, trials and 

84 



triumphs of the Christian. But he is principally 
known for his magnificent contribution to hymnol- 
ogy. It is safe to say that in this particular, Chris- 
tendom will hold his memory in grateful remem- 
brance. In Wales, his inspiring hymns have been 
and are fraught with untold blessing. Some of the 
best known of these hymns have been translated into 
Knglish, and other tongues, such as : — 

" Guide me, O Thou great Jehovali ! 
Pilgrim through this barren hmd ; 
I am weak, but Thou art mighty, 
Hold me with Thy powerful hand. 
Bread of Heaven 
Feed me till I want no more." 
' &c., &c. 

And the other popular missionary hymn, which be- 
gins thus : 

" O'er the gloomy hills of darkness 
Look my soul, be still and gaze, 
All thy promises do travail 
With a glorious day of grace ; 

Blessed Jubilee 
Let thy glorious morning dawn." 

&c., &c. 

No collection of hymns is standard without some 
of good old Williams Pantycelyn's hymns. 

Goronwy Owen was perhaps the most distinguished 
Welsh poet of the eighteenth Century. He was 
born in Anglesea, North Wales, about 1722. He 
was ordained deacon in the Established Church in 
1745. He held several curacies in England, and one 
in Wales. About the year 1755 he emigrated to 
America. He was a man of much erudition. He is 
best known as a poet. His poem on the Judgment 

85 



Day is a masterpiece. The sublimity of its spirit, 
richness of ideas, exquisite imagery and ahnost per- 
fect use of the bond-metre, stamp this production as 
one of the finest poems on the subject extant. While 
this poem lives, his fame is secure. 

Rev. William Rees, " Owilym (Hiraithog) 1802- 
1S83, is an excellent specimen of Welsh literateurs 
of the first half of the nineteenth Century. Dr. 
Rees was a giant in body and mind. He took his 
pseudonym from the mountain " Hircethog 'V whose 
heights he scaled, and whose breezes he inhaled 
during his early boyhood. The physical character- 
istics of his rural home left an indelible impress 
upon his mind. His genius was rugged, but withal 
full of the sweetest cadences. He was a massive 
thinker ; eagle like, he combined boldness, swiftness 
and strength. His diction was strong and pleasing. 
That he was a true child of nature, is evident 
from his nuiny compositions. He studied, with much 
interest, the aspirations, struggles, successes and 
losses of the masses. He was an uncompromising 
defender of liberty. To the oppressed his heart 
yearned with intensest sympathy ; but to the tyrant, 
he proved a veritable Son of Thunder. As a preacher, 
he stood in the front rank. His poetical works com- 
prise a variety of subjects, nearly all of which re- 
ceived his master-touch. His Epic Emmanuel bears 
all the characteristics of this dignified fonn of po- 
etry. It is bold in conception, and pleasing in exe- 
cution. The plot is strong. In its composition, the 
matured and varied gifts of this poetical Nestor 
found full exercise. The poem ranks easily among 

86 



the Welsli classics. The following translation by R. 
M. L. vSwansca, of Nelson's address from the Ode, 
" Trafalgar Battle " will j^ive the reader a faint idea 
of the qualities of his poetical spirit : 

Hritons ! licrocs of renown, 

Tlie sturdiest the ajje lias known, 

In every land, true men and hrave, 

Lords and rulers of the wave, 

Now has arrived the fitting hour 

Before the world to prove your power 

And prowess, Ijy the overthrow 

Of your fierce accursed foe. 

Though against us here to-day 

Stand two nations in array, 

Roused and furious though they be. 

Let us rout them utterly. 

IJoth to heat will glory gain 

That immortal must remain 

Over Euro])e, everywhere, 

Men this glory will declare. 

And the ages, long and late, 

Our achievements will relate 

If down the monarch harsh is hurried 

Who testifies and rules the world. 

Forward ! gunners to the fray. 

Make your missiles tell to-day, 

Load your wide-mouthed cannons well, 

Storing death in every shell. 

Aim with calm, unerring eye. 

At your stubborn enemy ; 

Then full soon, the unfathomed sea 

Shall receive theni greedily. 

And the deep, dark ocean caves, 

(None surviving) ! be their graves. 

Hut I urge all needlessly. 

Ready for the work are ye ; 

Courage in each heart doth bound 

That aboard this lleet is found. 

In your smiling faces bright, 

Warriors of unwavering might ! 

I read that resolute you'll be, 

Daring all for victory. 

87 



The following is a translation of the "Gof" 
(Blacksmith) passage in the poet's ode on " Peace " : 

" Whistling awhile a lively air, 
The smith for action see prepare : 
One hand the bellows doth control, 
The other breaks the crusted coal. 
First, having trimmed his fire aright. 
Upon his sooty altar bright. 
Boldly a sword he seizes — one 
That many a deadly deed had done. 
And plays with it ere work's begun ; 
Runs a light thumb along the edge. 
The temper of the steel to judge; 
Then attitudinizing, he 
Affects a warrior bold to be ; 
Like some great leader of renown, 
High he harangues, and with a frown 
Vows to the foe destruction dire, 
Then thursts the weapon in the fire, 
And vigorously the bellows plies ; 
While at each stroke 
Through wreaths of smoke, 
A thousand fiery sparks arise. 
Fierce hissing from the fiame anon. 
He draws the stout old blade, that won 
Fame on the field in many a fight. 
On anvil lays it dazzling bright ; 
Then the heavy hammer he 
Blithely swings and lustily ; 
Until at length 
His giant strength 
And cunning care 
Beat out a share 

Designed to plow the humid plain 
Whereon shall grow the golden grain. 

His best known prose works are "An Essay on 
Religion, Natural and Revealed," an able presenta- 
tion of the subject, "Uncle Robert's Hearthstone," 
and "Letters of an old Farmer." These letters 

88 



treat of current political, social and religious events. 
They rescued a worthy Welsh newspaper from 
the throes of death, and incidentally gave Welsh 
journalism, of those times, a generous impulse. His 
poems of Hiraethog and his poetical paraphrase of 
the Psalms entitled " The Tower of David " have 
been well received. Much of his work is imperish- 
able. The pseudonym, " Hiraethog " will prove a 
name to conjure with for many years to come in 
Welsh literature. Modern Welsh literature will com- 
pare favorably with that of other nations. 

The Welsh Encyclopaedia published by the well 
known publisher, Mr Gee, Denbigh, comprising ten 
large volumes, with four hundred and ten illustrations 
and thirty maps is a monumental work of genius. 
This work cost the enterprising publisher between 
55^90,000 and $100,000. The contributors are without 
exception eminent Welsh Literateurs. Although the 
work cost from $37to'o- to $56xVff> according to edition 
required, and the Welsh people are mainly poor, many 
thousands of them bought the book. So great has 
been the sale, that the publisher has issued a second 
edition of the work. The late Dr Owen Thomas 
wrote as follows on the completion of the work. "It 
is an invaluable treasure to our nation." 
Indeed, some of the scientific and theological articles 
are exceptionally able and will compare favorably, to 
say the least, with the best articles that we are 
acquainted with in any English Encyclopiedia. The 
tenth volume of the National Biographical Dictionary 
has just been issued. Gweirydd Ap Rhys' " History 
of the Britons and Kymry," two large volumes, 

89 



is a Avork of research and judgment. He evinces 
much discrimination in the delicate task of deciding^ 
between Tradition and History. His "Eminent Men 
of Faith," two vohimes, is a work of much interest 
and vahic. Welsh Literature is rich in folk lore. 
The following- tales from '' Folk Lore," a prize 
Essay by Rev. Elias Owen, M. A., F. S. A. are ex- 
cellent examples of Welsh legendary lore. 

Mrs Morris of Cwm Vicarage, near Rhyl, told the 
following story : " She stated that she had heard it 
related in her family that one of her people had, in 
childhood, been induced by the fairies to follow them 
to their couiitry. This boy had been sent to dis- 
charge some domestic errand, but he did not return. 
He was sought for in all directions, but could not be 
found. His parents came to the conclusion that he 
had either been murdered or kidnaped, and in time 
he was forgotten by most people, but one day he 
returned with what he had been sent for in his hand. 
But so many years had elapsed since he first left 
home that he was now an old gray-headed man, 
though he knew it not ; he had, he said, followed for 
a short time some delightful music and people ; but 
when convinced by the changes around, that years 
had slipped by since he left home, he was so distressed 
at the changes he saw that he said he would return 
to the fairies. But alas ! he sought in vain for the 
place where he had met them, and, therefore, he was 
obliged to remain with his blood relations." The 
next tale differs from the preceding insomuch that 
the seductive advances of the fairies failed in their 
object. I am not quite positive whence I obtained 

90 



the story, but this imich I know, that it belongs to 
Pcntrevcelas, and that a respectable old man was in 
the habit of repeating it as an event in his own life. 

A Pentrevoelas man was coming home one lovely 
summer's night, and when within a stone's throw of 
his house, he heard in the far distance singing of the 
most enchanting kind. He stopped to listen to the 
sweet sounds which filled him with a sensation of 
deep pleasure. He had not listened long ere he per- 
ceived that the singers were approaching. By and 
by they came to the spot where he was, and he saw 
that they were marching in single file, and consisted 
of a number of small people, robed in close-fitting 
grey cloths ; they were accompanied by speckled 
dogs that marched along two deep like soldiers. When 
the procession came quite opposite the enraptured 
listener, it stopped, and the small people spoke to 
him, and earnestly begged him to accompany them, 
but he would not. They tried many ways, and for a 
long time to persuade him to join them, but when 
they saw that they could not induce him to do so, 
they departed, dividing themselves into two compan- 
ies and marching away, the dogs marching two 
abreast in front of each company. They sang as 
they went away the most entrancing music that was 
ever heard. The man spell bound, stood where he 
was, listening to the ravishing music of the fairies, 
and he did not enter the house until the last sound 
had died away far off in the distance. 

In Biblical literature, the scholarly commentaries 
of Dr. T. C. Edwards, on ist Corinthians and " He- 
brews " have won international praise. In Sermonic 

91 



literature, Dr. Cynddylan Jones' Studies in Matthew, 
John and the Acts have enjoyed a large sale on two 
continents. They are remarkable for vigorous 
thought and choice diction. 

In Philology the works of Prof Rhys, Oxford, 
have received the serious and respectful attention 
they deserve from the most eminent philologists of 
Europe. He is author of Welsh Philology, '* Hibbert 
Lectures ", " Rhind Lectures ", " Studies in the 
Arthurian Legend, Karly Britain ". Welsh text se- 
ries and Monographs " Pictish Inscrijitions and Rel- 
ics " He is hard at work on two additional volinnes, 
entitled ''Celt and Pre-Celt "— Plarly P:thnology of 
Britain and Welsh Legends, " F'olk Lore and F'airy 
Talcs". 

Rev. R. Williams (Hwfa Mon), Rev. E. Rees 
(Dvfed) and Mr Lewis Morris are excellent represen- 
tatives of modern Welsh poets. The two former are 
authors of several chaired poems. Mr Morris is 
principally known by his famous Epic of Hades, 
which is already in its twenty-second edition, '' Songs 
of Two Worlds ", Gwen and the Ode of Life, Songs 
of Life, and Songs of Britain. Mr. Morris is favorably 
mentioned as the future Poet Laureate, of England. 

In fiction ]\Ir. Daniel CHven is an excellent repre- 
sentative of Welsh novelists. He is author of the 
following books : Rh> s Lewis, Y. Dreflan (The Vil- 
lage), Imioc Huws, etc. Rhys Lewis has been trans- 
lated into English, and is enjoying a wide sale. The 
strong features of his work are strength of plot, power 
of characterization and flavoured colloqualisms. — 
What Thackeray ami Anthony Trollope have done to 

92 



depict English life, Daniel Owen has done with equal 
strength in delineating Welsh life. 

Mr Isaac Fonlkcs says in a paper in the vernacnlar 
read recently at the Welsh National Society, lyiver- 
pool, that the number of Welsh books published 
prior to the year 1600, was twenty-two. During the 
seventeenth Century about 190 were printed ; 145 
were published during the eighteenth Century, and 
though there had been no catalogue prepared of the 
Welsh books printed during the current Century, he 
estimated as the outcome of a somewhat long experi- 
ence that the number was close upon 3,000. If the 
Welsh books printed up to the present time could be 
collected under one roof, they would be a national 
library, consisting of from 8,000 to 10,000 volumes. 
People who read Welsh books only numbered at 
the outside 1,500,000, and consequently in proportion 
to this number the Welsh people possessed a litera- 
ture as rich and abundant as that of any nation. 



93 



Tl?e Welsh Press. 



" Pbo micthtie^t of the mighty meane, 
Oit wlMoh the arm of proc^resei lectns, 
MaiV8 noblest n^iesion to cidvctnccj 
liie woe8 c»t?8uctcte, lii8 wctnts enhctncej 
Mis rights onforccj hiB wrongs redress, 
The mightiest of them ail, the Tress." 



Its \Vo(»ilort"ul InlUuMu'i" — The Welsh I'ress ami l.iluTly — The Press 
i\\\d Mvuleni Kefoiius — The Tress mul Kehjjiou — Welsh Newspa- 
pers aiul Maga/.iuos — The Welsh Kditorial — A Welsh Reporter — 
Some Chnrnctoristics of Welsh journalism — Welsh Tublishers — 
Welsh Hook Tress. 

A brilliant author of our tiuio has said: "The 
press is the Ari^us of the work! ; the car jjallery of 
the s;lobe, the reporter o[' all thinj^s earthly. Its 
myriad eyes flashing- from ten thousand centers sur- 
vey all lands and peoples. No corner of civili/atiou 
especially escapes its searchinii- glances. No hidden 
thing evades its scrutiny. And as it sees it hears, 
anil as it hears it tells abroad ; so that all the world 
can discuss at the breakfast table to-day what the 
rest of the world did yesterday. The flying train, the 
heaving steamshiiv^, the telegraph, the cable, the 
telephone, the pen, the type, are all its trained 
servants. In short, the one maxim force of this 
nineteenth century is the Printing Press." The Press 
has nowhere asserted its power for good more signifi- 
canth- than in Wales. There is hardly an encourag- 

94 



ill); pliasi- ol tlu" iialioii.il cliaiaitn- thai il has not 
);R-ally strcnj^Uu-iicd. In coiiiuioii with other nations 
the Welsh liave stifd-ri-d nmeh from superstition. It 
was intrenched in Ihe national lilc, and to the I'ress, 
nioii- than any other aj^eney, is dne the- c-icdit of U'ad- 
inj; the people to larj^er liberty ol thon^i^ht. Hefore 
its niarvelons lij^ht l'\airies, (ihosts, llobj^oblins, 
Jack o' I/mtern, etc., Ilid to the remotest monntain 
fastnesses. 'J'he Press lias done mneh to developi- 
the Welshman's inlierent love of liberty. Since it 
has po.sse.ssed a voice, it lias been directed very em- 
phatically aj^ainst tyranny in all its plia.ses. It 
shnddered at the thonj^ht of aeivili/ed peo])le traffic- 
inj^ in linmaii bciiij.;s. "Seren ( lonier" (( loincr's vStar), 
"Cronicl Yr Oes" (The Chronicle of the Ajje), and the 
"Amscran" (Times), sturdy pioneers of Welsh jonrnal- 
isin, did einineiit service in the suppression of this 
j^reat evil. They were ably conductefl, and boasted 
of a strong; list of contributors. It will be interc-stiii); • 
to note that the Welsh Press was an ardent sti])]Jortcr 
of the North in the American Civil War. There 
wasn't a di.s.sentieiit voice. While it ])rotested aj^ainst 
slavery abroad, it was not iiniiiiiidful of the state of 
servility of its own people at home. The detestable 
Truck vSystem Jay on the national mind as a deadly 
iiij^htmare. Its demoralizing induenee on the proj^ress 
of the workinj^^ cla.s.ses was painful to behold. The 
Press thundered at this modern evil until it relin- 
quished its unholy j^rasp of an already discouraj^ed 
peoj)lc\ It has proven itself the liicd ally of the 
workinj^man. Its cham])ionship of the Rights of 
Laboi has rdwass been clear, bold and nneoni])roniis- 

V.S 



ins;. Its general treatment of the Labor Question 
has evinced a spirit of fairness, candor and indiscrim- 
ination. It has also done excellent work in political 
reform. Before the Ballot Reform many workinonien 
voters held their political birthright in name only. 
They were not supposed to know much about politics 
save as thev cast their votes in favor of the Squire, 
Coal and Iron King. They were often intimidated. 
They were told that the Ballot was not secret, and 
warned of the unpleasant consequences that would 
result from a vote cast against their lords and masters. 
While many were overawed by these threats, some 
dared to do a little independent thinking. It will 
never be learned how much it cost those hardy toilers 
to defend their political convictions. 

The cloven foot of the oppressor stamped out 
much of the life and promise of those times. They 
found in the Press a strong and steady supporter. It 
assailed this species of tyranny so vigorously and 
persistently that hardly a vestige of it remains at 
present. To-day the Welsh voter goes to the polls 
fearlessly, without running the risk of persecution. 
For that matter the majority of those in authority 
have outgrown their foolish antipathy to popular 
suflrage* The Press has always been an earnest ad- 
vocate of Education. In its earliest days, when the 
newspaper was almost the sole vehicle of secular 
knowledge, it championed the cause of the illiterate. 
It showed how illiteracy was diametrically opposed 
to the progress and peace of the nation. Through 
its instrumentality the public mind was profoundly 
stirred on the question: and the agitation was continued 

96 



until the results achieved were beyond the expecta- 
tions of the uiost sanguine. To-day, the educational 
advantages in Wales are almost ideal. Oenerally 
speaking, the press has proven the v^illing hand-maid 
of Morality ai.id Religion. It has not failed to point 
the finger of scorn to the plague spots that marred 
the national character. Its comments on the cele- 
brated Baccarat scandal were very vigorous and out- 
spoken. Some of these comments were remarkable 
for their severity. Here's a few examples of many 
others that we might quote: The ''Celt" said: — After 
the death of his mother the Prince of Wales will oc- 
cupy the throne and be the head of the iCstablished 
Church, then we will be expected to shout, Ivong 
live the King. How can we conscientiously do it, 
knowing that by continual precept, he has demoral- 
ized liritish subjects. Let us rise from Holyhead to 
Cardifl' in earnest protest against this god of gamb- 
ling and its distinguished devotees. The "Week" said: 
There is more hypocrisy and vice among the large 
class of the wealthy than was ever imagined. View 
it from any standpoint you wish, it is foul, and puts 
the Prince of Wales in a very unenviable position. 

The people have come to believe that 

they can live quite as well without kings and princes, 
and it behooves the Royal P'amily to be jealous of 
their actions if they wish to keep their places. The 
Cam brain News said : The question is not, as we 
have already said, how far gambling is wrong, but 
whether the people of this country will have a gam- 
bler to rule over them. Already Wales has expressed 
its opinion pretty clearly, and much more will be said 

97 



before this disgraceful episode passes out of the pub- 
lic memory. 

The Welsh Press is fearless when a violent hand is 
placed upon the integrity of the country, be the 
offender prince or beggar. Its almost unanimous 
advocacy of Disestablishment and Disendowment of 
the State Church is well known. At last, there are 
signs that its long and earnest agitation of this im- 
portant reform will soon be crowned with success. 
It waged incessant war against the obnoxious Church 
Tax. It did yeoman service in support of Mr Osborne 
Morgan's famous Burial Laws, which have been of 
great benefit to Non-Conformists. There are seven- 
teen newspapers published in the Principality, with a 
circulation of 125,000, and twenty monthlies and 
quarterlies, one of which enjoys a circulation of 2,7i- 
750, and the rest a circulation of 75,000.* The 
South Wales " Daily News " (Liberal) and the 
*' Western Mail " (Conservative) enjoy an excellent 
patronage. Both papers are strictly first-class and 
are ably conducted. Both papers publish a weekly 
edition. They have no Sunday edition ; there is no 
demand for it. Those who must read a secular paper 
on Sunday generally provide themselves with " Rey- 
nold's Weekly," a fierce Radical, or the more modest 
but enterprising " Merthyr Weekly Express." Some 
years ago, some evening papers were started which 
are deser^-edly popular. 

The dailies depend mostly on the middle classes 
for support ; the workingmen in the main are satis- 
fied with two weeklies, secular and religious. The 

♦These figures are only approximately correct. 

98 » 



Welsh newspapers are generally flavoured with sensa- 
tionalism. They have no set sporting department, 
but for a detailed account of a murder, accident, di- 
vorce or elopement, it is second to none. A church 
scandal is written up with extra finish, A verbatim 
report of Police Court news is considered excellent 
copy. Column after column is given up to the most 
objectionable matter. This is unfortunate. They 
have some excellent secular and religious magazines. 
The "Geninen" (Leek) is an excellent representative. 
Prof, O. M. Edwards, the able literateur and scholar, 
is striking new paths in journalism, and is meeting 
with great success. For the first time in the Princi- 
pality's history he provides them with secular juvenile 
literature. His "Young Wales" is exceptionally inter- 
esting and instructive. Besides, he is the editor of 
Cymry (Wales), a very bright monthly. He is a 
versatile writer, and commands the respectful atten- 
tion of a host of readers. He intends starting a new 
magazine soon. Mr Hughes, Wrecsam, will be its 
publisher. Mr Edwards is a strong factor in Welsh 
journalism. May his tribe increase. 

The different denominations have their distinctive 
newspapers and magazines. The editorial chair of 
their religious weeklies is generally filled by some 
prominent clergyman of the connexion to which it 
belongs. Considering the many drafts made upon 
their energies by the pulpit, flock and platform, it is 
surprising how they manage to conduct their editor- 
ial work with so much ability. As a class they are 
fearless and well informed. 



99 



Naturally the Welsh editorial lacks the scholarly 
and masterly treatment of great questions that one 
looks for in some of onr first-class religious journals. 
The correspondents to these religious newspapers are 
legion. If they could be governed a little better it 
would be a great relief to suffering humanity. Much 
space is giving to foolish controvers}'. Every man, 
woman and child with a grievance find a way to the 
columns of the religious newspaper. There is often 
a harum scarum hunt after a real or imaginary enemy. 

In Mexico there is a sport among riders, which 
consists of riding full speed at a precipice ; the riders 
pulling up their horses abruptly, and as near the 
brink as possible. In Wales a certain class of writers 
have a sort o' delight in getting as near the brink of 
libel as they can, without getting into the clutches 
of the law. Dr James M. Buckley, editor of the 
"Christian Advocate," stated at the ^Methodist Epis- 
copal Conference, held in New York in 1892, that 
26,000 copies of that paper were destroyed, into which 
a brief paragraph had been inserted during his tem- 
porary absence from the office, in which a slight 
reflection was cast by one minister upon another. 
Some Welsh religious newspapers would appear at 
very long intervals if this example was conscien- 
tiously copied. Of send-offs there are more than 
enough. 

Mr Edward Jones (Idriswyn), Cardiff, editor of 
" News of the Week," is an excellent writer. I\Ir 
O. IMorgan (INIorien) is probably the best known news- 
paper reporter in the Principality. He is considered 
clever in writing up catastrophes, such as a fire, 

100 



explosion or railway accident. Whether he writes in 
the vernacular or Saxon tong-iie, he is sure of a host 
of readers. He is the author of works on Druidisni. 

Wales owes much to her publishers. Prominent 
among others are : Mrs Evans, Carmarthen, Messrs 
Gee, Denbigh, Hughes, Wrecsam, Humphreys and 
Davies, Carnarvon, Howells, Aberdare, Williams, 
Merthyr, Williams, Llanelly, Spurrel, Carmarthen, etc. 
These publishers are enterprising. When the history 
of the Welsh Press is exhaustively written they will be 
important factors in its treatment. Mr Gee is the prince 
of these publishers. He has published from time 
to time, several standard works. The gigantic 
Welsh Encyclopedia published by him is a literary 
monument that any nation might be proud of. 
Dr T. C. Edwards' excellent commentary on He- 
brews has passed the 15,000 mark long ago. Every 
work of real merit finds a ready publisher and 
wide circulation in Wales. Welshmen point with 
just pride to the fact that in the whole range of 
Welsh literature there is not a single book or pamph- 
let on infidelity. 

Dr Talmage says : " Excepting a few ballads of 
an immoral character, corrupt literature dies as soon 
as it touches this region (Wales). Many bad English 
novels that blight other countries cannot live a month 
in the pure atmosphere of these mountains." The 
Welsh people are intellectual in their tastes, and 
hitherto have demanded a healthy literature. Taken 
all in all the Press in Wales is a well regulated force, 
and is exerting great influence in directing the secu- 
lar and religious welfare of the little Principality." 

lOI 



Education in Wale^. 



The Educational Idea — llow They I'scd to Teach the Young " Idee " 
to Shoot — Popular Idea of Education — The Present Educational 
System in Wales — University Extension — A Defect. 



The idea of popular education is of recent date in 
Wales. Colleges and schools to train priests were of 
an early date. The inmates of monasteries were the 
only scholars for generations. It is a historical fact 
that Wales possessed men of learning before the Sax- 
ons emerged from the gloom of barbaric days. It 
is claimed that when King Alfred opened the re- 
nowned Oxford College, he was obliged to secure the 
services of three Welsh Professors, Asser, who taught 
Grammar and Rhetoric, John Menevensis, who taught 
Logic, Music and Arithmetic, and John Erigena, 
who taught Geometry and Astronomy. From the 
union of England 'and Wales to the Reformation, 
the nation experienced a period of illiteracy. As 
late as 1846, William Williams, member of Parlia- 
ment for Coventry, succeeded in getting the Gov- 
ernment to appoint a Commission to inquire into the 
educational needs of the Principality. This report 
proved beyond a doubt that much ignorance existed 
among the poorer classes of people. Elementary 
education was all the learning that the people were 
interested in, and that was in a very imperfect state. 
The school building was generally an antiquated 

102 



structure, which trembled under the weight of its 
years. There were more than enough sky-lights. 
The desks and seats were improvised ; in many 
places the seats served as desks as well. Persons dis- 
qualified to follow other callings, such as disabled 
soldiers, tailors and barbers were in demand as teach- 
ers. In these days the Rod and Rule were beauti- 
fully yoked together. The working material was 
necessarily scanty. Reading made Easy, one or two 
arithmetics, a spelling book and an English Bible 
constituted the text books. The following school 
idyll illustrates the pedagogy of those times : 

" Ram it in, cram it in ; 

Children's heads are hollow ! 

Slam it in, jam it in ; 

Still there's more to follow." 

And yet out of these primitive schools went forth 
men and women, who became intellectual and moral 
giants, the memories of whom are still cherished by 
their countrymen. 

Heretofore, the professional labor needed in Wales 
has been supplied by foreigners. Tourists have won- 
dered why Englishmen, Scotchmen and Irishmen oc- 
cupied positions of trust in schools, banks, stores, 
mines, iron works, on railways, etc., while the native 
Welsh were the hewers of wood and carriers of wa- 
ter. The explanation lies here : Formerly Welsh 
parents regarded learning with suspicion, and a spe- 
cies of contempt. It used to be considered fit and 
proper to get something out of the boy at an early 
age. Boys of seven summers were taken to the 
mines, in order to increase the father's supply of cars; 



103 



this was considered a necessity to the maintainance 
of the family. During this time, their little Scotch 
and Irish friends were at school, and looked forward 
to seven or eight years more training for their life 
work. Later, when these boys met in Wales and 
competed for positions that demanded education, the 
competition was unnecessarily uneven. Boys who 
evinced a craving for books and school were believed 
by some parents to be either lazy or of weak minds. 
In some sequestered parts of the Principality, one finds, 
even now, hazy ideas about education. However, 
the people have outgrown this gross prejudice and 
ignorance. Perhaps there are no people that are tak- 
ing a more vital interest in education than the Welsh 
of to-day. They have profited by the mistakes of 
the past. The story of popular education in Wales 
is replete with interest. The Foster Elementary Ed- 
ucation Act of 1870 car\'ed an epoch in the history 
of Welsh Elementary Education. After ser\ang the 
people efficiently for a generation, the Hart Dyke 
Act succeeded it. This Act is noted for the number of 
concessions that have been granted Wales. 

1. Welsh grammar can now be taught in standards 
V, VI and VII, with Government grant of 4s per head 
for every pass. 

2. Instead of the present system of teaching 
English Grammar, graded translations from Welsh to 
English are allowed in all the classes. This plan is 
expected to quicken the intellect of the scholar, and 
also give him the advantage of acquiring two tongues. 
The government grant per head for passes is one 
shilline. 



104 



3- In edch standard, and for every subject taught 
in the school, duoglot books can be used ; and the 
copy books may have Welsh mottoes accompanied by 
English translations. Welsh music with Welsh or 
English words may be taught with an average grant 
of one shilling per head for passes. 

4. The Geography of Wales may be taught stand- 
ard III ; and Welsh history, by means of Welsh and 
English works, throughout the entire school. A grant 
of two shillings per head is allowed for passes in each 
of these subjects. 

5. In the higher standards, schools that take 
Welsh as a class subject may demand translations 
from Welsh to English, instead of English com- 
position. 

6. Small rural schools that are undermanned are 
permitted to reorganize into three classes instead of 
seven as follows : 

First-class, Standards I and II ; Second-class, 
Standard III ; Third-class, Standards IV, V, VI and 
VII. This is considered a decided advantage. 

After years of earnest agitation, the Welsh rejoice 
in Free education. This boon is extended to children 
from three to fourteen years of age. The indications 
are, notwithstanding the prophesies of failure, that 
Free education will prove very successful. It is indi- 
genous to the soil. Under the old act, the amount 
received per head for elementary education was 8s 6d ; 
under the new act, the Government grant has grown 
to I OS. Under the new system Wales receives for 
elementary education ^90,000, ;^i 1,000 of an in- 
crease. The proposed Penny Bank System, in 

105 



counection with the elementary schools, is very 
iiiterestin*;-. In order to insnre its success, the Gov- 
ernment will undertake to supply the teachers with 
stamp-saving slips, and a supply of stamps on credit, 
which they will exchange for the children's pence. 
The scheme will be further facilitated by the appoint- 
ment of a Postoffice clerk who will make stated calls 
at the various schools in order to collect the stamp 
forms that arc filled, and transfer the savings to the 
Postoflice Savings Bank, as new accounts or additions 
to accounts already existing. 

Corporal punishment is getting unpopular in Welsh 
public schools. Happily, the Rod and Rule will 
soon be delegated to the relics of barbarous times. 
The snuill boy in particular, and boys of larger 
growth in general believe that this departure is in the 
direction of real progress. 

No rate aid for schools beyond the ratepayers au- 
thority is an old battle cry that has rallied Welsh 
educationists for twenty years or nunc. This vexed 
question is far from being adjusted. 

It only remains for Welshmen to utilize these ex- 
cellent provisions for elementary education, and the 
results will exceed the most sanguine expectations. 

The report of the Kducation Commision for Eng- 
land and Wales shows that in August, 1S92, W\ales 
had 1,646 schools, divided as follows: 

Kpiscopaliaus, 705 ; Wesleyans, 3 ; Roman Catho- 
lics, 51 ; British Schools, Ihisectarian, etc., 121; and 
Board Schools, 760. These schools contain accom- 
nuidations for 372,78c) scholars. There are enrolled 
323,624 pupils, with an average attendance of 
236,099. 

106 



Hitherto, intermediate education has been consid- 
ered the most defective phase of the Welsh educa- 
tional system. For some years, the people have 
put forth exceptional efforts to place it on a satisfac- 
tory basis. 

The miners of Rhondda Valley, a great mining 
centre of Wales, opened a subscription list to further 
intermediate education before the Government grant 
was even in sight, and by the time they were expected 
to report to the Royal Education Commission, they 
had raised ;^35,ooo, so convinced were they of the 
necessity of bringing these educational facilities 
within the reach of their children. The defeat of the 
Liquor Compensation Bill secured for Wales and 
Monmouthshire the sum of ^34,030, which was 
divided as follows : 

Glamorganshire, ^10,742; Denbighshire, ^2,838 ; 
Carmarthenshire, ;i^2,336 ; Carnarvonshire, £2^\']i\ 
Flintshire, ;^2, 034 ; Montgomeryshire, ^1,960 ; Pem- 
brokeshire, ^1,504 ; Breconshire, ^1,334 ; Cardigan- 
shire, ;^i, 142 ; Merionethshire, ;^984 ; Radnorshire, 
;^699 ; Anglesea, £(i^\ ; Monmouthshire, ;^'5,6o2. 

Up to this time, the only source of available 
revenue to carry on the work of intermediate educa- 
tion was a tax of one-half penny per pound sterling, 
which was sadly inadequate to supply the needs. 

The Government has by its recent grant of £1 ,000 
per annum, made it possible to plant intermediate 
schools in the most important centres of the 
Principality. 

Strong efforts are being put forth to include music 
among the subjects to be taught in these schools. 

107 



Complaint is made that the art above all others that 
the Welsh excel in has been quietly ignored by tlie 
collei;es and schools. 

For some years Wales has enjoyed three state aided 
colleges, which are located at Bangor, North Wales, 
Aberystwith, ]\I id-Wales, and Cardiff, South Wales. 
They are well equipped for their work. The three 
institutions boast of an able corps of instnictors, and 
excellent patronage. Tlie>- have demonstrated their 
fitness to live, long ago. A goodly percentage of their 
students succeed in seciiring the coveted degrees of 
London University. Women are admitted into these 
institutions on the same conditions as men. In the 
examinations, these female students generally lead 
their classes. Of the forty-one successful Welsh can- 
didates at the Loudon University examinations in 
1S92, twenty were women. Co-education is no 
longer an experiment in Wales. Students who are 
working for a Scotch degree are allowed to spend the 
first vear of the course in Wales. The Roval Collesfe 
of Physicians grant the same privilege to Bangor 
University, North Wales. It is stated that Cardiflf 
University, South Wales, is to have a medical depart- 
ment added to its numerous courses of study. The 
coui"se will embrace such studies as Anatomy, Physi- 
ology, and Materia Medica. These disciples of Escul- 
apius will enjoy ample opportunities to study the 
symptoms of diseases, and also practice their 'prentice 
hands in elementary surgical operations. The stu- 
dent will thus be enabled to pass his London M. B., 
or a similar degree in some other college direct from 
Cardiff'. The late Dr Davies, Tonypandy, South 

108 



Wales, bequeathed ;^50,ooo to this school, together 
with a similar amount to the Monmouthshire and 
South Wales Infirmary, Cardiff. The close proximity 
of Cardiff Infirmary to the University, and the cordial 
indorsement given the proposed department by the 
University authorities ought to insure its success. The 
percentage of Welsh medical men is small, much to 
the disadvantage of many of the natives who cannot 
speak English. The charter for a National Univer- 
sity, empowered to grant degrees, has been secured. 
The sum of _;^3,ooo per annum has been set apart by 
the Government for this much needed institution. 
They now receive /,'i 5,000 per annum towards the 
support of their Universities. These grants place 
them on a higher educational plane than England. 
No State College in England receives more than 
;^i,8oo per annum, while each of the three Welsh 
colleges receives ^4,000. Besides there is no pro- 
vision made by the Government for intermediate ed- 
ucation in England. This success speaks well for the 
stickitiveness of Welsh educationists. 

University Extension is moderately successful in 
Wales. Quite a number of intelligent workingmen 
avail themselves of its benefits. Industrial education 
has been much neglected in the Principality. This 
phase of education appeals strongly to the philan- 
thropic and moral instincts of the most privileged 
class of people. One who has watched the progress 
of these schools, states that wherever they have been 
planted, they have reduced the sum total of juvenile 
vagrancy among the youth of both sexes out of pro- 
portion to the increase of population. However, 

109 



there are industrial schools in Cardiff, Aberdare and 
Newport that are doing excellent work. 

Mention should also be made of a Sloj'd workshop 
started in connection with the Gelligaer Endowed 
Grammar School, which is expedled to yield fruitful 
results. 

The colleges of Past Wales did not pay much at- 
tention to physical training. At that time Brawn 
and Brain were not supposed to have much affinity. 
The students were permitted to develope into athletes 
or cadavers, just as circumstances dictated. Foot- 
ball, for instance, is still regarded by some Welsh peo- 
ple as an unmitigated evil. It will be interesting to 
note how the Welsh student is seen by an intelligent 
Englishman. The " British Medical Journal " says 
of him : "It was early noted by a shrewd English 
observer that if the students in Arts and Sciences at 
Aberystwith carried less of the Scandinavian spirit 
of emulation into their studies than their English 
fellows, they displayed per contra an individual in- 
terest in their work, and a love of learning for its 
own sake more suggestive of Bonn or Heidelberg 
than of Oxford or Cambridge. If this be so, there 
may be room for doubt whether the rigid rule of Bur- 
lington Gardens is the best adapted to nurture so 
sensitive a plant, and whether *a system of training 
more allied to that of Oxford would not be more fa- 
vorable to its development. The Oxford plan of ed- 
ucation in Arts indeed has always had peculiar at- 
tractions for Welsh students." The present encour- 
aging condition of education in Wales is a source of 
much pride and gratification to the Welsh in Wales 

no 



and their kinsmen abroad. I am of the opinion that 
it is perfectly safe to say that Wales can now boast of 
the most perfect educational system in the British 
Isles. 



Ill 



The Eisteddfod. 



'flidppy the land where the Bdrde live long." 



Hoary with Age — Its History — Eisteddfodic Anticipations — People you 
Meet there — The Pavilion Bardic Congress — Conductors Adjudi- 
cators — The Crowned Bard — The Vacant Chair — The Draped 
Chair — Is the Eisteddfod an Educator? — Will it Live? 

No one who visits Wales, to gain a knowledge of 
the country and its people, will willingly return until 
he has " done " this literary, bardic and musical 
congress, held in August of each year, in some 
important centre of the Principality. The origin 
and early history of this ancient and interesting 
institution is shrouded in mystery. Tradition tells 
of an Eisteddfod held as early as 1180 B. C, at 
which three noted poets, Plenydd, Alawn and Gwron, 
drew up a code of regulations for the protection of 
the rights and privileges of the bards. These are 
known in the vernacular as " Braint a Defawd Ynys 
Prydain." The Encyclopa:dia Britannica says that 
the Eisteddfod in its present fonn originated in the 
time of Owain Ap Maxen Wlcdig, about the close of 
the fourth century. There is serious doubt as to 
whether this Owain Ap Maxen Wledig ever existed. 
Maelgwyn Twynedd, a Welsh prince of the sixth 
century, and King Cadwallader, of the seventh cen- 
tury, are credited with having held Eisteddfodau. 

112 



The Eisteddfod of which Prince Maelgwyn Gwynedd 
was the projector, was held at Teganwy Castle. It is 
said that Asser Menevensis, a British iiionk, presided 
at an Eisteddfod in the ninth century. Another is 
supposed to have been held at Conway in the eleventh 
century, under the patronage of Bleddyn Ab Cynfin. 
During the time of Gruffydd Ab Cynan, who reigned 
in North Wales, 1089-1 137, tradition mentions two 
—one held at Caerwys in Flintshire and the other in 
Ireland, known as the Eisteddfod of Glynachlach. 
That there is some truth in these accounts is evident 
to all, but it is exceedingly difficult to tell what is 
fiction and what is fact. 

The first Eisteddfod of which we have creditable 
proofs was held in Cardigan Castle in 11 76, by Rhys 
Ab Gruffydd, Prince of South Wales. The following 
extract from the " Brut " may be of interest : " And 
that Christmas, Rhys Ab Gruffydd made a great feast 
in Cardigan Castle for competitors in vocal and 
instrumental music, which was open to Wales, Eng- 
land, Scotland and Ireland. He ordered two chairs, 
one for the successful harpist, and the other for the 
successful bard. The chaired harpist was a young 
man who belonged to the prince's court, and the 
chaired bard was Gwynedd. This feast was an- 
nounced one year prior to its being held." 

The next Eisteddfod of importance was the great 
Carmarthen Eisteddfod, held at Carmarthen town in 
1450 by Gruffydd Ab Nicholas, a nobleman, de- 
scended from the ancient Welsh princes. This one, 
also, enjoyed royal patronage. Welsh literateurs 
gathered in large numbers at the meeting, and during 

"3 



its sessions, some important measures affecting Welsh 
metrical rules were passed ; notably, the establishing 
of the pedwar mesur ar hugain, — twenty-four allitera- 
tive measures, peculiar to Welsh poetry. 

Another was held under royal patronage during 
the reign of Henry VII ; but wq have no account of 
the proceedings. July 20, 1524, was the date of 
another of importance, which was held at Caerwys, 
Flintshire, under the patronage of Richard Ap Ifan 
Byclian, Esq., Sir William Gruffydd, and Sir Robert 
Salisbury. The chaired bard, Tudur Aled, and other 
eminent men graced the proceedings with their 
presence. In 1567, another Eisteddfod was held at 
Caerwys, under the patronage of Queen Elizabeth. 
In 1580, another was held in South Wales, under the 
patronage of Sir Edward Lewis, and still another at 
Bewpyr Castle, Glamorganshire, under the patronage 
of Sir Richard Basset. In 179S, an important gath- 
ering of this kind was held at Caerw}'s, under the 
auspices of Owain Myfyr and the Gwyneddigion 
Society. Among the successful competitors were the 
Bard of Nantglyn and the renowned Thomas Ed- 
wards — Twm or Nant. This gathering attracted a 
large number of eminent literateurs, and competition 
was keen. In iSii, there was an Eisteddfod held at 
Tremadog, North Wales. In 1S16, one was held at 
Llangefni, North Wales, and in 1819 quite an 
important one was held at Carmarthen, principally 
through the influence of Bishop Burgess, St Davids, 
South Wales. This Eisteddfod was honored by the 
presence of the Glamorganshire sage. Bard Williams, 
best known by his bardic title, lolo Morganwg. At 



114 



the time of this gathering he was abundant in years 
and labors, if not in honors. The inaugural address, 
chairing the successful bard, conferring Druidic 
degrees, and Pennillion singing, marked characteris- 
tics of the modern Eisteddfodd, were first introduced 
at this gathering. The meeting also succeeded in 
creating a deeper interest in the Kymric language 
and literature. 

From 1819 to the present, national Eisteddfodau 
have been held annually, excepting in a few 
instances. The interest in this institution among the 
Welsh is universal. Months before the event takes 
place, the Eisteddfodic fever becomes prevalent. 
These are common questions : Are you going to the 
Eisteddfod ? What is your opinion of the adjudi- 
cators ? I wonder whether such and such choirs will 
compete ? Who will be the chaired bard this year ? 
Opinions are hazarded on these and other questions ; 
some enthusiastic and some indifferent ; some com- 
plimentary and some denunciatory. Every answer, 
however, is prompted by devotion to an institution 
they venerate. 

What Olympia is to the Crreeks, the Amphitheatre 
to the Romans, Bull-fighting to the Spaniards, and 
the Derby to the English, the Eisteddfod is to the 
Welsh ; with this difference, that none of these 
national institutions can compare for a moment with 
the Eisteddfod as a means to amuse, instruct and 
elevate. While these gatherings, ancient and mod- 
ern, pander largely to the baser instincts, the Eistedd- 
fod aims at the intellectual and moral culture of its 



115 



patrons. The contests are principally literary and 
musical. 

The eventful Eisteddfod days have arrived. As 
we have a few hours before the throne meeting 
(Gorsedd), let us do a little of the town. Enthusiasm 
abounds. Smiles and good cheer greet you every- 
where. The town is tastefully decorated ; palace and 
cottage are in entire keeping with the good cheer of 
the occasion. Welcome is engraved on costly ban- 
ners and bannerettes. You will surely meet plenty 
of interesting people. The patriachal Druid,, bur- 
dened with the labors of years, and the countr>^ lad, 
whose plump, rosy cheeks are as fresh as the breath 
of his native hills, are here from common impulse. 
The stately matron and the blushing maid have left 
the toils of shop and household, to drink deep of the 
Pierian Spring. The King of Commerce puts aside 
his usual exclusiveness and condescends to chat with 
the Sons of Toil whom perchance he meets. The 
]\I. P. casts aside his anxious, careworn countenance 
and dons a smile fit for a king to bask in. During 
these days he is the most approachable of mortals. 
The hardy toiler is here ; his scarred featiires and 
homy hand bear the royal insignia of honest labor ; 
he is unassuming to a degree- It's more than likely 
that he is a competitor ; perhaps he is in for the 
"chair." If he is successful, it Avill start him on a 
career of distinction ; if unsuccessful, he will go 
home with a fixed determination to try, try again. 
The Gorsedd meeting — Bardic Throne — the initiator}- 
meeting of the Eisteddfod, is very ancient and 
interesting. It is held in the open air. The chief 

ii6 



participants are the bards and other distinguished 
public men. The Gorsedd is held in a circle consist- 
ing' of twelve unhewn stones placed at equal distances 
from the Maen Llog, Logan stone. On this stone, 
the Archdruid stands to direct the quaint exercises. 
After the trumpet has been sounded, the following 
Gorsedd prayer is offered by some eminent clergyman : 

" Dyro Dduw dy nawdd ; 

Ag yn dy nawdd nerth ; 

Ag yn nerth deall, 

Ag yn neall gwybod ; 

Ag yn gwybod y cyfiawnei garu ; 

Ag o garu, earn pob hanfod ; 

Ag )-n mhol) hanfod, earn l)uw ; 

Duw a phob daioni." 

The following is a translation of it : 

"Grant, God, thy favor; . 

And with thy favor, strength ; 

And with strength, wisdom ; 

And with wisdom, knowledge ; 

And with knowledge, knowledge of the just ; 

And with knowledge of the just, to love it ; 

And with love, love for every being ; 

And with love for every being, love to God ; 

God and every good." 

Then the Archdruid unsheaths his sword, and says : 
" The truth against the world," and asks, "Is there 
peace ? " The bards inside the circle place their 
hands upon the sword and reply in concert : " Peace." 
The question is asked and answered three times, after 
which the Archdruid returns the sword to its scab- 
bard, and says : " Duw a phob daioni " — God and 
every good, and then makes the following announce- 



117 



iiient : " In the face of the Sun, the eye of Light, I 
declare the Eisteddfod open." The bards rehearse in 
song the stirring past of the institution, its trials and 
triumphs ; after which skilled harpists tune their 
lyres to sweetest strains. These exercises are usually 
followed by patriotic addresses, delivered by distin- 
guished Welshmen. The successful candidates for 
druidic honors having been invested with the insignia 
of the order, the ancient ceremonies terminate. 

Of late \ears, the interest in the throne proceedings 
has increased. The pavilion has been erected at 
much cost, and rain or shine, you know that the 
meetings will not be interrupted. The interior is 
picturesque to a degree. The sea of faces (20,000 
persons attended the Eisteddfod held at Swansea in 
1S91) is set off to advantage with tasteful decorations. 
Patriotic and religious mottoes meet the eye in every 
direction. Prominent among others are the following : 
'' Cas gwr na charo'r wlad ai macco " — Cursed is he 
that denies his native land ; "Heb Dduw, heb ddim" 
— Without God, without everything ; '' Goreu arf, arf 
dysg "—The best weapon is learning. The Eistedd- 
fod Song is usually sung by a vocalist who long since 
won his spurs, and of these there is no scarcity. 

The conductor of the Eisteddfod is a conspicuous 
figure. Since the death of Mynyddog, a poet and 
Eisteddfod conductor, there has been no one who 
could be rightfully tenned his peer. One must be 
distinguished for his gifts ; a ready w'it, and possessed 
of a resolute spirit. He must be a good storyteller. 
The adjudicators are generally selected from the most 
distiuiruished musical authorities in England and 



118 



Wales. As all cannot be victors, these men good and 
true, have their Eisteddfodic woes as well as joys ; 
but there is less senseless murmuring on the part ot 
the unsuccessful competitors as the years roll by. 

Unusual interest centres in the successful bard of 
the year. When the nom-de-plume of the victor is 
announced, all eyes are strained to catch a glimpse of 
him. " There he is ! " cries some one, as the victor 
rises to respond to hi§ name. This is the signal for 
a tremendous outburst of cheering and waving of 
handkerchiefs, which continues while he is being led 
to the platform by two venerable poets to the stirring 
strains of " See, the Conquering Hero Comes," by the 
Eisteddfod band. The applause having subsided, the 
ceremony of chairing the bard proceeds. He is 
seated in the elegant chair that he has honorably 
won, the gleaming swords are crossed o'er his head, 
and a stentorian voice cries, three times successively, 
" Aoes heddwch ? " — Is there peace ? and usually the 
vast audience ratifies the adjudicators' decision with 
a vociferous response : " Heddwch ! " — Peace. In an 
incredibly short time, the poets pour forth their 
eulogistic strains to the happy victor. He becomes 
the hero of the hour. Rich and poor are glad to 
make his acquaintance. His portrait becomes a 
source of revenue. The handkerchief you buy will 
very likely be adorned with his picture. He becomes 
a national favorite. When he returns home, he 
receives a royal reception ; many tokens of regard 
are given him ere the interesting exercises close. 

Instead of the honor being monopolized by a half 
dozen men, would it not be much more in keeping 

119 



with the spirit and aims of the Eisteddfodd to con- 
sider poetical Nestors, who have won this prond 
distinction, say twice, as ineligible for further com- 
petition ? 

The vacant chair is not an imknown quantity in 
the Eisteddfod. When this occurs through lack of 
merit, there is universal disappointment. The draped 
chair tells its own tale. The victor, who was to wear 
the Eisteddfod laurels, wears a crown of life. He 
finished his poem and his life together. The 
announcement is received with tears. Instead of 
tumultuous joy. inexpressible sadness prevails. The 
band plays the Dead March, in Saul, and the bards 
pronounce fitting eulogies in honor of the worthy 
departed. This is one of the most effective experi- 
ences of a lifetime. 

The chief choral competition comes in for a good 
share of interest. In reality, this is one of the most 
important features of the Eisteddfod. When the 
successful choir is announced, there is the wildest 
cheering imaginable. The concerts connected with 
the gathering are strictly first-class. None are en- 
gaged but professionals. The successful choir is 
pressed into service for the occasion. 

At the Rhyl Eisteddfod (1892) the committee hon- 
ored itself by making arrangements to perform Dr 
Joseph Parry's latest oratorio, " Saul of Tarsus," 
during the Eisteddfod. The performance was a pro- 
nounced success from an artistic and financial point 
of view. This welcome innovation will, in all 
probability, be repeated in coming Eisteddfodau, 
when the weightier musical productions of distin- 
guished Welsh musicians will be performed. 

120 



Much just criticism is made that the songs are 
mainly English. Some means should be adopted 
whereby competitors might profit by the criticism of 
the adjudicators. The award is generally made in a 
few remarks which give little satisfaction to the 
unsuccessful competitors for the time and thought 
spent upon their productions. Recently, the success- 
ful productions are published immediately after the 
Eisteddfod. 

Is the Eisteddfod an educator? The London 
Times says : No. If banter and sarcasm could anni- 
hilate the Eisteddfod, this great newspaper, that 
sometimes stoops so low, would have achieved its 
purpose years ago. This Sir Oracle says of the 
Eisteddfod : "If these Eisteddfodau were shows and 
amusements, they would be deserving of no attention 
whatever, but if they cannot be held without assist- 
ing to perpetuate the mischievous delusions we have 
denounced, the sooner they come to an end the 
better. They are simply a foolish interference with 
the material progress of civilization and prosperity." 
Nothing could have been wider of the mark than 
this so-called criticism. Newspaper buncombe, even 
the Thunderer's flavored article, cannot hurt this 
venerable institution. The Times' infallibility has 
been seriously disturbed of late, and those who have 
hitherto regarded it as the embodiment of candor 
and justice, will henceforth do some thinking on 
their own account. The Eisteddfod has proven itself 
the strong ally of Welsh nationalism and the Welsh 
language. It must be credited with discovering the 
majority of Wales' eminent sons and daughters. 



121 



They owe the awakening and strengthening of their 
aspirations to it. Among a host of other names the 
following prominent Cambrians acknowledge their 
debt to the ancient institution : Dr Joseph Parry, 
musician ; Prof. Rhys, philologist ; Mrs Watts and 
Mrs ]\Iary Davies, sopranos ; David Jenkins, musician ; 
Rev. E. Rees (Dyfed,) poet ; and D. A. Thomas, sculp- 
tor, a young man scarcely out of his teens ; in fact, 
there is hardly a man or woman of note in music and 
literature in the Principality that the Eisteddfod did 
not discover, encourage, and ultimately direct to 
fields of usefulness and distinction. To the masses, it 
has proven a popular educator. Prizes are offered for 
essays, poems, translations, declamation, music, vocal 
and instrumental, painting, drawing, sculpture, carv- 
ing, modeling in clay, weaving, sewing, knitting, 
embroidery, etc. The prizes offered are usually 
liberal enough to attract strong competition. 

The World's Fair Eisteddfod, held at Chicago, 
September, 1893, was a great and very popular gath- 
ering. It was peculiar to itself, inasmuch as it was 
the only inteniational congress of this kind ever held. 
Two prizes were offered for the principal choral con- 
test for choruses composed of from 250 to 300 mixed 
voices; first prize, $5,000, and second, $1,000. Two 
prizes were offered for the two best male choruses ; 
first prize, $1,000, and second prize, $500. A prize of 
$500, a magnificent chair and a gold medal were 
offered for the best alliterative poem, not to exceed 
2,000 lines; subject: "Jesus of Nazareth." The 
prizes for essays varied from $300 to $100. The sum 
of $300 was offered for the best English novel. 



122 



Prizes were also offered for translation, painting, 
drawing, model in plaster, and other subjects. 

The time honored institution is finding favor 
among other nationalities. In 1891, the Irish held a 
successful Eisteddfod in Scranton, Pennsylvania. 
For the first time in their history, the English in 
1892 held an interesting Eisteddfod at Northampton. 
P>oth nationalities desire to repeat them. The first 
Scotch Eisteddfod was held recently at Olean, under 
the presidency of Lord Campbell, " to encourage and 
foster Gaelic literature and music, the development 
of Highland home industries, and the spread of 
Gaelic in the public schools." 

Will it live ? Judging from her past triumphs 
over Saxon prejudice, her stock of vitality must be 
great. The bloom of health seems as fresh as ever 
on her fair cheeks, the lustre has not departed from 
her eyes, while her tread bespeaks buoyancy and 
promise. When the Welsh have lost their ardent 
love of intellectual and moral pursuits, when the 
eyes of her seers are dim, their voices silent, and the 
altar of their affection cold, then, and not until then, 
will Wales cease to have her Throne, Poem and Song. 

The following list of Eisteddfodau, taken from 
History of the Britons and Kymry, is considered 
reliable : 

PLACE. YEAR. 

Wrecsam, N. W., 1820 

Denbigh, Carnarvon and Carmarthen, . 1821 

London and Brecon, 1822 

London, Brecon, Wyddgrug, Ruthin and Car- 
marthen, 1823 

123 



PLACE. YEAR, 
lyondon, Welshpool, Ruthin, Llangollen, Car- 
marthen, and Brecon (National Eisteddfod) 1824 

London, 1825 

London, Bala, Ruthin, and Brecon (National 

Eisteddfod), 1826 

London, 1827 

Denbigh (Royal Eisteddfod), 1828 

London, 1829 

Beaumaris (Royal Eisteddfod), 1832 

Cardiff, " " 1834 

Aberavon and Llanerchymedd, 1835 

Liverpool, 1836 

Merthyr Tydvil, 1838 

Liverpool, 1839 

Pontyfon and Liverpool (National Eisteddfod), 1840 

Abergavenny, 1848 

(This Eisteddfod produced that valuable 
work, Stephens' Literature of the Kymry.) 

AberfFraw (Royal Eisteddfod), 1849 

Merthyr Tydvil, and Rhudlan (Royal Eis- 
teddfod) \ . . 1850 

Liverpool, Wyddgrug, Bethesda and Porth- 
madog (National Eisteddfod), . . . . 1851 

Bethesda, 1852 

Porthmadog and Bethesda, 1853 

Liverpool, Ffestiniog, and Llanfair Talhaiaru, 1854 
London, Dinas Mawddwy, Llanfachraeth, and 

Morriston, • . . 1855 

Blaenau, Llangemyw, Cwmafon Porthmadog, 

Ffestiniog, and Ystradgynlais, .... 1856 

Llangollen, 1858 

Merthyr Tydvil, Llancarfan, and Llanerchy- 
medd, . • 1859 

Ystalyfera, Aberdare, and Denbigh (National), i860 

Conwy and Aberdare (National), . . , . 1861 

Carnarvon (National), 1862 

124 



PLACE. YEAR. 

Swansea (National), 1863 

Llandudno " 1864 

Aberystwyth " 1865 

Caerleon " * 1866 

Carmarthen " 1867 

Ruthin " 1868 

(Flint held a general Eisteddfod in 1865, and 

Neath held the Kymry's Eisteddfod in 

1866.) 

Rhyl, 1863 and 1869 

Dolgellau, 1870 

Llanerchymedd and Carnarvon, 1870 

Llanerchymedd and Penygroes, ..... 1871 

Holyhead and Porthmadog, 1872 

Llunberis, Porthaethwy and Wyddgrug (Nat'l), 1873 

Coedpoeth and Bangor, 1874 



125 



Welsh Miisic ai)d flUsiciaos. 



^^Mor o gan yw Cymru i gydj'' 
'■''Wales i8 a Sea of Song," 



" They who tliink music ranks amongst the trifles of existence are in 
gross error ; because from the beginning of the world down to the 
present time it has been one of the most forcible instruments 
of training, for arousing and for governing the mind of man." 
Gladstone. — The Welsh a Musical People — Ancient Welsh Music 
— The Welsh as Chorus Singers — Caradog's Famous London 
Victory — The National Trophy — Welsh Soloists — Welsh Compos- 
ers — Sacred Music — The Welsh as Instrumentalists — The National 
Instrument. 

"Who so despises music, as all fanatics do, said 
Luther, with him I am not pleased, for music is .a gift 
of God and not an invention of man. It drives away 
the devil and makes people cheerful." The Welsh are 
an intensely musical people. Whate\'er else they 
may be noted for, the}- are imbued with the true spirit 
of Orpheus. From the North and South, East and 
West, the sweet refrains of their patriotic songs, popu- 
lar airs and favorite sacred tunes have been sung to 
the delight of all classes and conditions of people. 
The origin and early history of Welsh music is 
shrouded in mystery. Nothing trustworthy has come 
down to us from the past, hence much that has been 
written on the subject is imwarranted. 

It may be fairly inferred, however, that singing 
formed part of the religious services in the Bangoran, 

126 



early Welsh Churches. The London Telegraph, in 
an editorial, says on this interesting subject : " Welsh 
music with which the Cornish melodies are said to 
have much in common, are undeniably more artistic 
than the Scotch or the Irish, and on that account, 
according to Pencerdd Gwalia, one of the most emi- 
nent of living bards, it may appear more modern to 
the superficial observer. To those, however, who are 
acquainted with the national instrument of Wales, 
with its perfect diatonic scale, this apparent inconsist- 
ency disappears. Another great musical authorit)', 
the late Dr Crotch, was of opinion that the British 
and Welsh music might be considered as one since 
the original British music, with its composers and 
executants alike, were driven into Wales. It must be 
acknowledged, added the learned writer, that the 
regular measure and diatonic scale of the Welsh music 
is more congenial to the English taste in general, and 
appears, at first, to experienced musicians, more nat- 
ural than those of the Irish and Scotch. Welsh music 
not only solicits an accompaniment, but being chiefly 
composed for the harp, is usually found with one ; 
and, indeed, in harp tunes there are often solo passages 
for the bass as well as for the treble. It often resem- 
bles the scientific music of the seventeenth and 
eighteenth centuries, and there is no probability that 
this degree of refinement was an introduction of later 
times. In the Principality itself there appears to be 
a consensus of opinion respecting the community of 
origin of British and Welsh music." It is maintained 
with strong reasons that the oldest piece of Welsh 
music extant is found in Edmund Prys' famous 



127 



collection of hymns for sacred worship, published in 
1630, Some affirm, however, that the plaintive air, 
Morfa Rhuddlan, composed by King Caradoc's Court 
Minstrel, after the disastrous defeat of the Welsh forces, 
and their Royal Commander was left dead on the 
field, was written in the 3'ear 795. Other popular 
melodies are Llwyn Onn, Ar Hyd y Nos, Glan 
Medwdod Mwyn, Toriad y Dydd, and Y Aderyn 
Pur, The Welsh of to-day are principally known 
in the musical world as chorus singers. It is 
confidently asserted that they hold this sceptre in 
undisputed sway. The brilliant work of Caradog and 
his famous Welsh choir, at the Crystal Palace, against 
all comers is now a matter of history'. Welshmen, the 
world over, become enthused when ■ you refer to the 
magnificent Cup that is preserved in the National 
University INIuseum, at Aberystwyth, as a memento 
of the greatest choral victory ever won by any 
nation. There are half a dozen centres in the Prin- 
cipality that boast of excellent choirs. These choirs 
master the most difficult works of the great masters, 
Handel, IVIozart, Mendelssohn, Haydn, Bach, and 
others. The splendid quality and range of their voices, 
strict discipline, precision, style, and best of all, the 
spirit they infuse into the rendering makes it a perfect 
delight to attend their performances. Considering that 
they are composed mainly of the sons and daughters of 
toil, their renditions are mar\-els. The music-loving 
populace of Wales never tires of the exquisite rendering 
of these grand oratorios. 

Prominent among the professional vocalists of Wales 
are Miss Mary Davies, soprano, Mr Ben Davies, tenor, 

128 



baritone, Mr Lucas Williams, and l)ass, Mr H. Davies 
Hitherto, the Welsh have not produced any exception- 
ally brilliant music. Some popular songs, glees, over- 
tures, symphonies, anthems, oratorios and some 
operatic pieces that will live, have been produced. 
The love song, Mentra Gwen, Venture Gwen, is 
simply bewitching. Flow, Gently Deva, a duet, 
by John Parry, is immensely popular. Ti wyddost 
beth ddywed fy ngalon. Thou Knowest What Saith 
My Heart, a well-known quartette by Dr Parry, is full 
of musical pathos. The well known glee, Yr Haf, 
The Summer, by Gwilym Gwent, who died July 4, 
1891, at Plymouth, Pa._, is superb. Professor Elson, 
of New England Conservatory of Music, said he 
knew of no one able to produce such an exquisite 
composition without thorough musical training but 
this Welshman. " It bears the marks of a musical 
genius. It is remarkable for the grace and ease of its 
movement." The Welsh will never willingly let 
this " Summer " wane. The late Mr Brinley 
Richards' glee, " Oh ! Wake Again Thou Harp of 
Wales," never appeals to Welsh patriotism in vain. 
It is deservedly popular, and will be sung for many 
years to come. He is also the author of " God 
Bless the Prince of Wales." Mr D. Emlyn Evans 
is a keen musical critic and is author of some 
inspiring productions. He is best known by his 
requiem : " How Hath the Mighty Fallen." Mr John 
Thomas is a popular Welsh composer. His best 
known work is that beautiful anthem, " Dattod mae 
rhwymau caethiwed," The Bonds of Captivity are 
Loosening. The late Ambrose Lloyd's Teyrnasoedd 



129 



y Ddaear, is justly considered a model anthem. Mr 
D. Jenkins, ]\Ius. Bac. of Aben'stwyth, is a widely 
known composer. His latest work, David and Saul, 
is considered b)' competent critics magnificent. He 
is also the author of other good works. J. Thomas, 
Pencerdd Gwalia, Harpist to Queen Victoria, has 
laid the nation inider a lasting debt of gratitude 
to him for his dramatic work. Prince Llewellyn. 
The late T. Davis' anthem, The Days of INIan 
Are as Grass, is standard. It has enjoyed great 
popularity. Dr Parry's Welsh opera, Blodwen, 
has enjoved a very successful run. The best 
known oratorios are, The Storm of Tiberias, 
by Tanymarian ; Jeremiah, by Owain Alaw, and 
Emanuel, by Dr Parry, Professor of Music at the 
Cardiff University. These are the only Welsh com- 
posers that have fairly and successfully launched into 
the deep of music. These productions are justly con- 
sidered masterpieces. .Vt present Dr Parry is possibly 
the best known composer of music in Wales. He 
belongs to the musical progressives, and exerts much 
influence in directing the musical genius of Young 
Wales. The National Anthem has exceptional inter- 
est to the Kymry. What the Star-Spangled Banner 
is to Americans, the ]Marseillaise to the French, Die 
Wacht am Rhein to Germany, and God Save the 
Queen to the English, Hen wlad fy nhadau. The 
Land of I\Iy Fathers, is to the Welsh. The fortu- 
nate author of the music is a Mr James James, 
Pontypridd, who is still living. Repeated attempts 
have been made to prove that he is not the original 
composer of the National Song, but they signally 

I ^o 



laikd. TIk- aiitlidi of the wolds is the laic Mr Ivvan 
jaiiies, fatlier of Mr Janus Janus. TIic I, and of 
My I'atliL'rs, aj)|)fals to IIr* tcMuU-rcst cniotions and 
strongest as])iralions of Wclshnu.-n, and n<jne lint 
llu-y can enter lull)' into its exquisite niean- 
inj^. Its stirring strains arc sung wherever Welsluncn 
have gone. It is hummed by the busy housewife 
hnrdcncd with cares, and cliccrs lier toiling partner in 
the dark caverns of the earth, on the crest of the wave, 
and in the busy mart. While asi)ark of Welsh j)atriot- 
ism e.\i.sts, this grand old song will live. Oddly, Mr 
James has not produced ijny thing of note besides this 
National Anthem. Recently, more time and thought 
are given to .sacred uiusic than heretofore. We must not 
omit nu-ntioning, in this connection, the magnificent 
ervices of tlu- late Rev. J. Roberts (leuan (iwyllt). 
He labored in .sea.son and out of season to perfect 
Welsh congregational singing. He lectured extens- 
ively on the sidijcct, and was heard with much profit 
by the pi()])le. His popular Ilynmal has been used 
nu)re or less for three decades by the various denomi- 
nations, and is still ccnisidcrcd a standard collectit)n. 
Religious Musical Festivals have sprung into favor 
throughout the Principality. These are .sea,sons of 
much j)rofit to churchgoers. The different di-stfict 
choirs, after thorough discipline, unite in one great 
chorus for the occasion. When such tunes as Babel and 
Kifionydd get real hold of the va.st audience, they 
hardly know when to cease singing, .so overpowering 
is the effect. Tlu- most stolid and indifferent under 
the .strongest ])reaehing are influenced in the.se Sing- 
ing Festivrds, aild many start on new lives. The sing- 



131 



ing ill the various Welsh congregations arrests the 
attention of strangers immediately. Occasionally, the 
hymns are interspersed with fitting anthems. The 
Welsh of the earliest times were players on the harp, 
violin and bagpipe. They never excelled as bagpipe 
players. This distinction they willingly conceded to 
their Highland cousins. They showed much profi- 
ciency as violinists. Caradog, the famous Choir Leader, 
is widely known as a violinist. His violin rendition of 
the Farm Yard is delectable. However, the favorite 
and national instrument is the harp. It used to be 
considered much more important that a child be able 
to play the harp than to know arithmetic, geography 
and history. A good harpist was considered accom- 
plished, though he knew nothing of technical educa- 
tion. Hence, each family possessed a harp, and very 
early its sweet music awakened the tenderest chords 
of the young heart. Pennillion singing, with a harp 
accompaniment, is still extant in the Principality. 
The harp fell into disuse, but lately, through the 
patriotic efforts of Lady Llanover and others, the triple 
harp especially is becoming quite popular, and bids 
fair to reign in each Cambrian home as in the " guid 
old tyme." 

" Harp of the mountain land ! Sound forth again, 
As when the foaming Hirlas horn was crowned, 
And warrior's hearts beat proudly to the strain, 
And the bright mead at Owen's feast went round. 
Wake with the spirit and the power of yore ! 
Harp of the ancient hills, be heard once more." 



132 



CarrT)er) Sijlva apd tbe Welsh. 



ShCj the Imperial Rhine's own Child," 



The Roumanian Queen an Ardent Student of Wales and the Welsh — 
Her Visit to ]iangor Eisteddfod — Royal Reception — The Royal 
Poem — The Llandudno Reception — A Cordial Farewell. 

The visit of the Queen of Roumania to Wales in 
1890 was replete with incident. The circums tances 
connected with her visit are now pleasant memories. 
The fact that a foreign crowned head could come among 
a strange people for a brief sojourn and so effecSlively 
win their affedlions, is interesting to say the least. 
It goes far to show how susceptible the Welsh are to 
recognition by the Throne, and how ardently they 
are able to respond to it. The fadl that she is a 
member of royalty was not the only reason for this 
spontaneous and affectionate welcome so rarely accord- 
ed to any of their distinguished guests. That she pos- 
sesses strong affinities with the aspirations and aims 
ot present Wales is evident from her own words, and 
the lively interest she has long evinced in their history 
and traditions. She stated that Wales and the Welsh 
have formed part of her studies for many years. She 
wished to be put upon record as an admirer of the 
language, customs, and institutions of the people. 
She is a poetess. Her produdlions bear marks of 
exceptional poetic fervor. 

^33 



" To her the forest lent its lyre, 
Iler's are the Sylvan dews the fire 
Of Orient suns, the mist wreathed gleams 
C)f nu)unt;\in streams." 

She is a strong- supporter of popular education. 
She is a lover of liberty. In her veins, " The oldest 
blood of freedom streamed." Surely, these were am- 
ple reasons for the splendid display of enthusiasm 
that o-reeted her presence in the Bangor National 
Eisteddfod. The following cablegram was sent to 
America the week following the Eisteddfod : 

" Carmen Sylva, Queen of Roumania, attended the 
Welsh Eisteddfod at Bangor last week. She was ini- 
tiated into the mysteries of Welsh Bardism, and in- 
vested with the blue ribbon of the order. When the 
^•ictorious bard was crowned, she laid her hand with 
those of the other bards upon the gleaming sword of 
the archdruid, whereat the multitude danced with 
joy." 

The Queen read the following original poem that 
she had composed for the occasion, entitled, " Hail 
Cymru, Old Cymru, forever." 

" Long live the hards, and long live the song, 
And the harp with the soul's own singing ; 
May ever the thanksgiving choirs throng, 
Where tlie echoes from old are ringing. 

Where the song has a throne, and the bard a crown. 

And the sword of peace uplifted 
All the sweet welcome sounds from the shore to the town, 

To tlie stranger with singing gifted. 

Long live the smile, and the song and the tale, 

That naught from the soul can sever ; 
May sunshine brighten each Emerald Isle, 

Hail, Cymru, Old Cymru, forever." 



134 



When she reached the kist line she read with em- 
phasis the Welsh words, " Hen Gyniru," instead ot 
the original words, Old Wales, to the intense delight 
of the great andience. They cheered her to the echo. 
The meeting was remarkable for its enthusiasm. The 
demonstration in her honor by the public spirited 
people of Llandudno, North Wales, was in every 
sense commensurate with her high station, literary 
attainments and nobility of character. The town 
was profusely decorated. Graceful Welsh and Eng- 
lish mottoes met the eye in every dire(5tion. Two 
thousand school children sang inspiring Welsh and 
Knglish hymns. The following words were sung to 
the National anthem of Roumania : 

(J! gracious poet Queen, 
To thee we welcome bring, 
Thus speaks the hearts of Wales, 
Carmen Sylva welcome. 

Thou art (j)ucen, twice a (^)ueen. 
The Queen of hearts and song ; 
Thee we own. Bardic Queen, 
God grant thy reign be long, 

Hail, (^>ueen of Roumania! 
Long mays't thou remain here ; 
We our love now proclaim, 
We love thee. Queen of Roumania. 

She said to the children : " I thank you very 
much, my dear children, for your lively singing. 
Your voices will always be to me a sweet farewell. At 
the great meeting in the pavilion, Clwydfardd, the 
distinguished Archdruid, addressed to her some ex- 
cellent stanzas. The citizens presented her with an 
illuminated address couched in fittinof references to 



135 



her virtues, and visit to a people, who, " through all 
the revolutions of history^, have maintained their na- 
tional identity, and who are still clino-ino- to the land 
of their fathers, speaking- their own language, uphold- 
ing their national customs and institutions, a people 
distinguished for their love of poetry and music, lib- 
erty and religion. 
********* * 

In your Majesty we hail a child of the muse, whose 
empire is the world, and whose accents find an echo 
in every human heart. You have sung the songs of 
your country in strains which have produced responses 
of admiration in many tongues, for your warm sym- 
pathies go forth into every clime, etc. Your ^Majesty's 
entrance to Llandudno and into the circle of the Gor- 
sedd Beirdd Ynys Prydain (Bardic Throne of the Isle 
of Britain) at the National Eisteddfod of 1890, was 
an entrance into the heart of the Welsh nation, and 
now, in " Carmen Sylva," Roumania and Wales have 
been brought into a bardic unity, which will prove an 
inspiration to both countries for generations to come." 

In reply, the Queen said : " I really do not know 
how to thank you for your great kindness. The 
beautiful words you have spoken will always ring in 
my heart, and the beautiful book (an album of Llan- 
dudno and environs) will be a pleasure to look at 
every time." Later, she read the following reply : 
" I wish to express to you all my warmest thanks for 
the kindness I have met with at every hour from 
everybody during my eventful stay in this most lovely 
and blessed country. Never shall I forget the warm- 
heartedness of its people, who from the first to the 

136 



last, have shown me the deepest sympathy. If my 
health has been so wonderfully restored, it is not only 
due to a climate and snrronndinos that can only be 
compared to Italy, but also to the joy that has 
strengthened my very heart and soul. In the hour of 
need, strangers have acted as if they were old friends, 
and 'even the deep and sympathetic silence of the 
crowd was more touching than the brightest cheers 
that had gone before. As the great trouble that be- 
fell me here could not be warded off, I still thank 
God, who lifted up my courage in showing me these 
depths of human kindness, so that my heart will 
remain anchored here as in a beautiful haven of peace. 
God bless Old Cyniru and all its people." 

One of the most interesting souvenirs of her visit 
was the album entitled, " The Bards' Tribute to the 
Queen of Song." It contained a Poetical address 
and photograph of each Bard. With a smile she 
said : " I will take this to Balmoral, and show it to 
Queen Victoria, reminding her that I have witnessed 
something she hasn't — an Eisteddfod." 

That evening she was treated to some excellent 
choral singing. A poem, written in her honor by 
Rev. J. S. James (Spinther), was sung to the Welsh 
air, Llwyn Onn. 

After bidding farewell to all, she said were it not 
for the great distance between Roumania and Wales 
she would Ije glad to have them sing again Welsh 
Hymns and Anthems, the sound of which would ever 
abide with her. Such was the welcome Wales gave 
Carmen Svlva. 



^2>7 



She left invigorated in health, and burdened with 
many tokens of Welsh courtesies. It is a pleasure to 
note that the qualities shown during- her visit to 
Wales have won for her the loyal affection of her 
Roumanian subjects. 

Now from a people's sole acclaim 
Receives the heart vibrating name, 
And mother, mother, mother ! fills 
The echoing hills. 

She is the most interesting crowned head in Europe. 
The domestic and public life of both King and 
Queen is unusually interesting. They enter heartily 
into the people's joys and sorrows, and are greatly 
beloved. Their reign is noted for peace and progress 
at home, and memories of victories abroad. 



i;S 



Labor ii) Wales. 



"In the dim morning of Societyj Labor was up and 
stirring before Capital was awake." — Cardinal Manning. 

'^Toilj eitlier of the brainj of the heartj or of the 
hand is the only true manhood— the only true nobility." 



Capital and Labor — Improved Condition of Welsh Workingmen — 
Labor Organizations — Intimidation — Some Welsh Strikes — Com- 
pulsory Arbitration — Mine and Quarry Inspectorship — The New 
Mines Bill — Female Labor — Girls in Mills — Pit-brow Lasses — The 
Servant Girl and the Kitchen. 

Past employers of labor in Wales were painfully 
slow to acknowledge that they had duties to discharge 
as well as rights to defend. Few of them made free 
to confess that Labor is Capital. 

Cardinal Manning said: "The first agency of 
Britain's great commercial wealth, and therefore of 
the greatness of the country, is Labor." The man 
who puts forth the powers of the body for his own 
good and the good of his neighbors is living a high 
and worthy life, and that because it is his state in the 
world. It is the lot in which we are placed, and any 
man who fulfills the lot of his existence is in a state 
of dignity. The failure to recognize this principle on 
the part of the employers handicapped the sons of 
toil in Past Wales. Happily, a better understanding 
exists between employers and employees respecting 
their reciprocal duties, much to the good name of the 
former, and the happiness of the latter. 

139 



The last four decades have witnessed a radical 
change for the better in the condition of the working- 
man. Forty-six years ago Carlyle said among other 
things of Wales that he found " a great proportion of 
the miners very hungry and ragged." To-day they 
enjoy an enviable degree of prosperity and happiness. 
They are better fed, better clothed, better housed, and 
better educated than in former times. 

The excellent sanitary reforms recently introduced 
in the Principality have greatly improved their con- 
ditions. With this increased intelligence and these 
strengthened conditions came the desire to organize 
for their common protection. This is a natural right. 
From time immemorial, civilized nations have re- 
spected it. 

Trade unions existed in ancient Greece and Rome. 
Adam Smith says : " The property which every man 
has is his own labor ; as it is the original foundation 
of all other property, so it is the most sacred and in- 
violable. The patrimony of a poor man lies in 
the strength and dexterity of his hands ; and to hin- 
der him from employing his strength and dexterity 
in what manner he thinks proper without injury to 
his neighbor is a plain violation of this most sacred 
prosperity. 

The formation of labor organizations in Wales was 
attended with great difficulty. Most employers 
deemed it their duty to oppose violently every effort 
connedled with the organization of labor. To these 
arbitrary employers, it seemed revolutionar}' that the 
workers should demand anything. It used to be con- 
sidered to the advantage of a workingman to obey 

140 



and talk very mildly about his supposed rights. 
These industrial conditions developed in due time a 
species of despotism that was well-nigh insufferable. 
I am told by an old and reliable Welsh iron-worker 
that " Crawshay Cyfartha " as he was familiarly 
called, the great Iron King, notwithstanding his 
many excellent qualities, shut down his gigantic 
works rather than recognize the right of labor to or- 
ganize. 

And even to-day the overbearing attitude of many 
of these coal, slate and iron kings tells how scant is 
their knowledge of the reciprocal relations of capital 
and labor. In January, 1874, an endeavor was made 
to organize the quarrymen of the Dinorwic quarries. 
As soon as the proprietors and managers of the vari- 
ous quarries heard of it, they issued the following 
circular : 

The Proprietors of the North Wales Slate Quarries and their Workmen : 
" At a meeting of the Proprietors of the North Wales Quarries, held 
last Saturday, at the Royal Hotel, Carnarvon, to consider the steps to 
be taken in the face of the attempt made to establish a trade union 
among the men, when the following quarries were represented : Pen- 
rhyn, Dinorwic, Glynrhonwy, Penbryn, Cilgwyn, Dorothea, Cambrian, 
Coedmadog, Talysarn Slate Co., Snowdon Slate Quarries, Carnarvon- 
shire Slate Co., Moeltryfan, Port Bangor, Vronheulog, Vron, Braich. 
Chwarel Fawr and Cloddfa'r Lon, it was unanimously 

Resolved, That this meeting has learned, with great regret, that an 
attempt is being made by persons who have no connection with slate 
quarries to disturb the good feelings that have always existed between 
the proprietors and their men by establishing a trade union among the 
quarrymen, the result of which is certain to be injurious to both master 
and men. That in the opinion of this meeting, every quarry proprie- 
tor in North Wales should refuse to employ any man who is ascertained 
to be a member of the Union, and that every proprietor or his repre- 
sentative should give notice of such determination to his men at the 
earliest opportunity. 

141 



That the ouiplo)cis and their ropresematives present at this meeting 
hinil themselves not to take into their employ any quarryman or h\borcr 
coming from another quarry without a written certificate from the man- 
ager or agent of the quarry." 

This threat was first enforced at the Gl>iirhoiiwy 
quarries. At the Dinorwic baro;aiii-lettiiii^, June i8, 
1874, Mr Assheton Smith, the proprietor, asked 
each quarrynum : " What is >'our choice, your bar- 
gain (your work) or the Ihiion?" To the credit of 
these toilers, be it vsaid that 2,200 of them replied : 
" The Union '' — with the result that they were per- 
emptorily locked out. The lockout lasted five 
weeks ; when the men were taken back as Unionists. 
The men at Olynrhouwy Ouarries were taken back 
after a two weeks' lockout. Because the Penrhyn 
quarrymen had lifted a collection to help their locked- 
out brethren at Dinorwic Ouarries, Lord Penrhyn 
issueil this notice : " Being informed that a large 
body of the workingnicu in the Penrhyn Quarries 
have given support to an union formed at Llanberis 
for the purpose of dictating to the owners and mana- 
gers how their quarries should be worked, I hereby 
give notice that I shall resist any such interference 
with the rights of proprietors of quarries, and shall, 
if such support be continued, immediately close the 
quarry. PiCxrhvx, July 14, 1874. 

The outcome of this notice was to make 2,300 of 
his men (the majority) pronounced unionists. 

In Lord Penrhyn 's letter of May 4, 1885, which 
was quoted by Mr Young before the Royal Labor 
Commission, 1891-93, we find the following words 
relative to the right of the North Wales quarrymen 
to organize : 

142 



" I decline altogether to sanction the interference 
of anybody, corporate or individual — that means a 
committee just as much as a man — between employer 
and employed in the working of the quarry." 

Lord Penrhyn is neither worse nor better tlian his 
brother employers of labor in North Wales. Person- 
ally, he is a man of excellent parts, and is regarded 
by many as a popular cpiarry ])r()])rict()r, which makes 
his position on the right of labor to organize hard to 
explain. 

However, the rights of Welsh workingmen are be- 
ing zealou.sly protected as the following striking il- 
lustration will show : On A])ril 7, 1892, three Direc- 
tors of the Cambrian Railway, vSoutli Wales, were ar- 
raigned before the bar of the historic House of Com- 
mons charged with intimidating a witness named 
Hood, an employee of the Company, because he had 
given evidence before the Royal Labor Commission 
regarding the working hours of Railway servants. 
After some discussion, the defendants were discharged, 
after making an ample apology to the House. Some 
Liberals and Radicals were in favor of making exam- 
ples of the three. 

Wales has suffered largely because of strikes. 
The Penrh)!! strike will always be known as one 
of the biggest on record among the Quarrymen of 
North Wales. It commenced August ist, 1874 and 
finished November 9th, 1874. 

During the ])rogress of this strike the best order 
prevailed. It is interesting to state that there was 
not a striker charged with any violation of law what- 
ever. One evening they h.id oalluved together in 



'43 



large numbers, near one of their Chapels, and some- 
one siininioned the police, but when they arrived, 
they found to their chagrin that the men had gath- 
ered together to listen to the preaching of one of 
their eminent preachers — the late Rev. William Rees, 
D. D. (Hiraethog) Liverpool. 

The interest in the strike seems to have been wide- 
spread. ]\Iuch financial aid was received, the sum 
of ^,'3,909 I OS, 3d, was collected for their support in 
various parts of England, Wales and America. In 
the final settlement, many concessions were conceded 
to the men by the proprietors, which further on were 
withdrawn by the latter. 

This broach of contract caused a strained feeling 
among employers and employes, traces of which exist 
today. From 1S71 to 1875 the coal trade was in a 
very prosperous condition. The demand was great, 
wages were high, and skilled labor scarce. This 
prosperous period was followed by the memorable 
strike of 1875, when the men refused a reduction of 
ten per cent. 

The men suffered from bad advice and inefficient 
organization. After three months' struggle, which 
was at best uneven, the men returned to work at a 
reduction of twelve and one-half per cent. This 
strike was far-reaching in its baneful effects. Putting 
aside the losses immediately incident to it, its effect 
on the iron trade was disastrous. Many capitalists 
lailed, one of the most notable failures being the 
Aberdare Iron Company. 

Another big Ouarrymen's strike that posesses more 
than ordinarv interest occurred at the Dinorwic 



144 



Quarries in 1885. This strike will always be noted 
for the political element that entered so largely into 
it. It was noticed that after the general elections of 
1868, 1874 and 1880, there was considerable ill feel- 
ing between the employers and the workmen. 

After the general election of 1880, the men's politi- 
cal and religions beliefs entered largely into the let- 
ting of bargains and promotions at the quarry. Men 
who were sound as Churchmen and Conservatives 
were given at the quarry's office, in addition to their 
earnings an additional ^'i monthly, which donation 
was grimly known as "The Tail Pound" (Punt y Gyn- 
ffon.) The next tyrannical move was in 1880-1881 
when the managers tried to induce the men to con- 
tract themselves out of the Employers' Liability Act, 
which procedure was infamous in its conception, 
together with the means adopted to bring it to pass. 

In 1 881, the men refused to follow the advice of 
the Employers and their Agents, with the result that 
the cloven-foot of the employers was once more visible 
in depriving the men of the benefits of the Benefit 
Club, the Hospital and Doctor's services. The men 
drew up a series of resolutions desiring the benefits 
of the Employers' Liability Act, an Arbitration Board, 
etc. These terms were instantly refused by the 
Employers. The managers withdrew from the Bene- 
fit Club. The workmen eventually allowed them- 
selves to be contracted out of the provisions of the 
Employers' Liability Act, by a written agreement, 
which is pathetic to a degree. 

This so-called settlement produced a more un- 
stable state of affairs than ever ; the men were 

145 



liumiliated because they had sold their birthright. 
The Dinorwic strike cost the Quarrymen's Union the 
sum of ;^io,207 5s 4d, besides a big amount collected 
by the general public, and a loss in wages of over 

;^50,000. 

The Taff Vale and Rhymney Railways strike in 
1 891, when from 50,000 to 60,000 men were affected, 
was notable. 

The workers demanded that each day of ten 
hours should stand by itself, that is, that a man should 
be paid for his overtime in any one day, although he 
does not, during the whole week, work more than 
sixty hours. The coal-tippers wanted an additional 
one-sixteenth of a penny. It was computed at that 
time, by those who knew, that a quarter of a million 
pounds loss was sustained in wages. The struggle 
was brief but severe. The men were excellently or- 
ganized. After a week's struggle, the employers 
conceded the demands of the men. 

The Miners' strike of 1893, was against a reduction 
of ten per cent, in their wages. It was largely 
inaugurated by the Hauliers, who succeeded in indue- 
ing the miners to sympathize with them. The strike 
was confined principally to South Wales. The 
miners demands were largely conceded in the final 
settlement. Taken all in all, the workingmen of 
Wales are well organized. It is maintained that the 
Miners' organization excells that of their English 
brethren. The Ironworkers' Association is also in a 
vigorous condition. The credit for these encouraging 
conditions is largely due to the splendid executive 
-vlork of their leaders, Messrs. W. Abraham, M. P., 

146 



(Mabon), D. Morgan, W. Brace, Lewys Afan, W. J. 
Parry, and others. These men are well informed and 
possess excellent judgment. They deserve and get 
the respect and confidence of employers and em- 
ployees. Among the contributors to the recent 
electioneering funds of Mabon, the Labor Member 
for Rhondda, were several employers of labor. 

The growing disposition on the part of employers 
and employes to arbitrate their difficulties, is one of 
the most encouraging features of the labor question 
in Wales. The workers are earnestly advocating 
Compulsory Arbitration. 

The North Wales Quarrymen, under their able 
representative, Mr W. J. Parry, made a strong plea 
before the Royal Labor Commission, January 19th, 
1892, for Boards of Arbitration, the said board to 
consist of a representative of the employers, a repre- 
sentative of the employes, and a representative of the 
State, and to be appointed and paid by the Govern- 
ment for its services. 

We quote the following from Mr Parry's excellent 
statement before the Royal Labor Commission : " The 
provisions of the Board are as follows : 

I. That the Country be divided into six trade 
arbitration courts. 

a. Middlesex, Surrey, Sussex and Kent. 

b. Shropshire, Staffordshire, Liecestershire, Rut- 
landshire, Northamptonshire, Cambridgeshire, Nor- 
folkshire, and the remaining counties in the South of 
England. 

c. The English counties to the north of those 
named in b. 



147 



d. Scotland. 

e. Ireland. 

f. Wales and Monmouthshire. 

2. That a Court be established in each of these 
divisions, consisting of two judges or arbitrators ; 
one to be appointed from a class representing employ- 
ers of labor, and the other from a class representing 
the wage earners. Both to be permanent officials 
paid by the Government. 

3. In every case of dispute, after the demands of 
the aggrieved party have been refused by the other 
side, and within a stated number of days, that either 
party can give notice to the Court t6 investigate the 
causes of the dispute, with full powers to decide the 
same. 

4. That the Court is to consist of such two judges 
of the County Court in which the dispute arises, or 
the judge of any other County Court district, or of 
the High Court, selected by the Home Secretary to 
act as Umpire. 

5. That the costs of the investigation shall be 
borne by the rates of the County in which the 
dispute arises, except in cases where one of the 
parties declines to abide by the decision of the 
Court, in which case the Court may have power to 
charge such party with all the costs." 

The question of Mine and Quarry Inspection is 
receiving much of the workers' thoughtful attention. 
The New Mines Bill is likely to prove a boon to 
miners. It provides that an Assistant Inspector shall 
be appointed for every six thousand persons employed 
above or below ground in connection with mines, 

148 



and preference shall be given to persons having 
practical knowledge of the working of mines and 
holding certificates of competency under the Act. 

Twenty thonsand miners find employment in the 
forty collieries located in Rhondda Valley, South 
Wales. It is estimated that one hundred thousand 
persons find employment in and about the entire 
South Wales collieries. If the Act is passed, South 
Wales will be entitled to sixteen Assistant Inspectors. 
The passage of this clause in the Bill would give the 
miner greater protection, and would go far to avert 
the awful mine catastrophes that South Wales is 
noted for. The North Wales Quarrymen's represen- 
tative, Mr W. J. Parry, made an interesting and strong- 
plea for Special Inspectors for the quarries. He con- 
tended that the quarryman's perilous avocation, the 
inefficiency of Mine Inspectors to " inspect Slate 
Quarries, worked underground or in the open," de- 
manded special inspection by properly qualified 
inspectors. In April, 1886, a petition embodying 
these sentiments was signed by 5,000 quarrymen. 
Bills were introduced to this effect by Mr Cliilders 
and Mr Broadhurst in 1886, 1887, 1888 and 1889, 
but owing to pressure of business they did not be- 
come law. 

In June, 1888, a deputation consisting of Quarry- 
owners and Quarrymen waited upon the Home 
Secretary, but no satisfactory results were reached. 
Mr Parry urged upon the Commission the appoint- 
ment of Inspectors \Vho were conversant with the 
Welsh language. He said : " The accidents in the 
slate quarries, as a rule, are the results of: 

149 



1. Improper development of quarries, which arises 
from lack of inspection, 

2. Unskillful management, which would be re- 
moved by a proper Government inspection. 

3. Want of proper skill on the part of some, and 
proper care on the part of others, of the workmen, 
which the knowledge of a strict, practical inspection 
by a Government official would to a great extent 
check." 

These demands seem very just and reasonable. A 
prompt response on the part of the Government 
would be humane. 

It is interesting to note in this connection, that the 
number of fatal accidents in mines has greatly 
decreased since the appointment of Government in- 
spectors. 

Nowhere is the Eight Hours Question more vital 
than in North and South Wales. The intellectual 
and domestic sides of the question are prominent 
factors in the discussion. Cardinal Manning said 
truly : " If the peace, the purity of homes, the edu- 
cation of children, the duties of wives and mothers, 
be written in the natural law of mankind, and if 
these things are sacred far beyond anything that can 
be sold in the market, then I say, if the hours of 
labor resulting from unregulated sale of a man's 
strength and skill shall lead to the destruction of 
domestic life, to the neglect of children, to turning 
wives and mothers into living machines, and of 
fathers and husbands into, what shall I say, creatures 
of burden ? — I will not use any other word — who rise 
up before the sun, and come back when it is set, 

J 50 



wearied and able only to take food and lie down to 
rest, the domestic life of man exists no longer, and 
and we dare not go on in this path." 

In the North Wales Quarries, a day's labor ranges 
from eleven to twelve hours, with one hour for dinner. 
In the underground quarries, the day's work is 
nine and one-half hours, with a half hour for 
dinner. The men generally favor an eight hours day. 

Among the miners of Wales, the sentiment in favor 
of an eight hours day " from bank to bank " is quite 
strong. Mr Abraham, M. P., says, that as far as can 
be ascertained by colliery meetings, delegate meet- 
ings and conferences held in various parts of the 
country, five-sixths of the miners are in favor of the 
Legislature interfering in reducing the hours of 
labor. The minority, however, which is important, 
is endeavoring to substitute the words " from face to 
face " instead of " from bank to bank " in the pro- 
posed New Bill. They contend that the time taken 
in lowering the men, and the great distance from the 
pit's mouth, deprive them of a working day of eight 
hours. If the Bill passes in its present form, the 
working hours would not exceed six and six and a 
half hours, and in self-defence, the employers would 
hasten to put on the double shift, which every practical 
miner views with much suspicion. However, one thing 
is certain, the demand for a reduction of hours is 
general, and considering how arduous and perilous 
the occupation of mining is, all who have given the 
subject serious consideration acknowledge its reason- 
ableness, and wish its speedy success. 

151 



The principal objection to regulate the hours of 
labor by state legislation or by organization of labor 
is, that it interferes with the liberty of the working- 
man by depriving him of the right to dispose of his 
labor to the best advantage possible. It is also as- 
serted that the men would only abuse these leisure 
hours. Judging from the unsavory repute that '' Ma- 
bon's Day," the miners' monthly holiday, enjoys, there 
is too much truth in the assertion. The majority of 
minors, however, improve this holidav for intellectual 
and domestic culture. 

Reform of all kinds is usually confronted with the 
pessimistic statement that the beneficiaries will abuse 
the privilege. Let the baser sort be educated into 
the nobler meaning and possibilities of the Eight 
Hour Movement, and this difficulty will vanish. Mr 
Gladstone and Lord Salisbury refused to commit 
themselves upon this question, so vital to the peace 
and happiness of the working classes. Hours of 
labor have been regulated by law in the past, with 
excellent effect to all concerned, and could be safely 
attempted again. 

The management of Crown Lands has become an ab- 
sorbing question among Welsh workingmen. Much 
industrial depression is traced to this defect. In 
presenting the matter before the Labor Commission, 
Mr Parry, the labor leader, said among other thing-s : 
" It is the woi"se managed property in the Kingdom. 
In those cases where leases are granted for the 
working of mines and minerals, the terms of letting, 
the length of lease, the unreasonable clauses inserted, 
and royalty charged, are almost prohibitory, and in 

1S2 



many cases, after a large capital is expended, the 
owners are compelled to abandon the works simply 
becanse the royalty charged makes the thing unre- 
mnncrative. In all such cases, districts suffer, a large 
number of men are thrown out of employment, and 
the little saving they may have made, and invested 
very often in leasehold homes, is swept away. To illus- 
trate this, I can give two instances that have come 
under uiy notice very recently. 

Very valuable mineral rights in one part of my 
county were sold for ;^8,ooo, with no present, and 
to all appearances no future intention of working it, 
while in another part of the same county they refused 
to grant a lease of an unused (piarry, exce])t upon 
terms which are prohibitory, viz : a lease of thirty- 
one years, a dead rent of ;^3o; an undertaking to 
spend ;^50,ooo on the property and a royalty of 1.15th. 
The Enfranchisement of Leaseholds is another ques- 
tion of great interest to them. Leases of 40, 35, 30, 
and even 25 years are in vogue which are demoral- 
izing both to the men and society. 

Female labor has kept pace with the march of 
industrial progress. Fifty years ago, the world wit- 
nessed the ironical spectacle of a woman on Great 
Britain's throne, while her humbler sister toiled as a 
beast of burden in the deep caverns of the earth. 
This phase of female labor was degrading, yea revolt- 
ing. Thanks to the noble exertions of Lord Ashley 
and others, this species of British slavery was put an 
end to. Nothing tells of the low civilization of a 
people more than a benighted womanhood. With 
the exception of Hungary, I am not aware that any 

153 



country employs' women in mines at present. A large 
nnmber of Welsh girls drift into iron and tin plate 
mills, factories and about mines. They seem satis- 
fied with their lot. The margin for self improvement 
is very scarce indeed, hence the disadvantage they 
labor under, when, later in life, they assume the 
responsibility of wife and mother. Indeed, many of 
them break down in early life from sheer exhaustion. 
Many of these women are unknown heroines. In 
addition to their arduous daily labor, they assume the 
domestic work at home. 

•• When one task she's finished, 
Sonicthini;'s found, 
Awaitini; a beginning all year 'lound." 

As the cause of woman's emancipation advances 
in Wales, these noble women will doubtless find em- 
ployment more congenial to their sex and aspirations. 
The kitchen does not attract the brightest girls. 
Ambitious girls will not be servants. Anywhere and 
everything honest in preference to the kitchen. The 
overbearing manner of mistresses and their families 
has brought this phase of labor into much odium. 
Girls of independent spirit object to being the galley 
slaves of domineering masters and mistresses. To 
possess her own soul, eat with the family, serve a 
mistress that helps with the housework, and be the 
recipient of constant courtesies that contribute so 
much to the servant's happiness, would be a revela- 
tion to the Welsh servant girl. There are sentimen- 
talists that look upon the vocation of a servant as 
positively degTading. " You want a position in my 
store, do vou, miss?" asked the kind-hearted mer- 



154 



chant. "You don't look as if you liad uinch 
experience in sellinj^ j^oods. I have only one place 
.vacant now; its the Soap department in the base- 
ment, and the salary is #1.75 a week. But my wife 
informed me this morning that she needed another 
girl in the kitchen. If you would like that place she 
will give you #4.00 a week aiul a good home. Which 
would you prefer?" "I'll take the soap-lady posi- 
tion," was the reply. When Welsh mistresses recog- 
nize the fact that domestic labor is dignified, and 
and learn to respect servants' rights, the ignominy of 
kitchen service will l)c known in name only. Welsh 
working girls are not organized. A move has been 
made recently to remedy the defect. How vastly 
advanced is the position of woman in America. 
Here we have women prominent in Religion, Law, 
Literature, Banks, and trades of divers kinds, who 
are solving slowly but surely the (question of woman's 
emancipation the world over. 



'55 



Welsb IpdiJstries. 



The Little Principality a Veritable Treasure House — Welsh Coal Field 
— The Ocean Collieries — Welsh Lead Mining — The Slate Industry 
— Welsh Gold Fields — Iron and Tin Plate Industries — Woolen 
Manufacture — Agricultural Industries — Agricultural Depression — 
Welsh Ports. 

Wales is remarkably rich in natural resources. 
One of her staple and principal industries is coal 
mining. Baron Liebig said once of England : " Civ- 
ilization is the economy of power, and English 
power is coal." This is eminently true of Wales. 
Within her borders Coal is undoubtedly King. The 
early history of Welsh coal fields is shrouded in 
antiquity. It appears that 3,726 tons of coal were 
brought to London from South Wales in 1745, and 
4,003 tons in 1765. One hundred years lat^ the 
coal output amounted to 3,531,336 tons, from three 
hundred and twenty-two collieries. The year 1850 
was remarkable for the repeal of the coal duties, which 
gave the infant industry a decided impulse. Except- 
ing the coal basin of the Clyde, the South Wales coal 
field is the largest in Great Britain. Its area is 1,000 
square miles. 

It is estimated that 90,000 miners find employ- 
ment in the South Wales collieries alone. In and 
around these coal cellars 100,000 persons find work. 
The Ocean Collieries of South Wales, are among the 
largest. They embrace 7,000 acres. In 1S91, 2,000,- 

is6 



coo tons of coal were mined in these collieries. They 
have yielded upward of 20,000,000 tons already, leav- 
ing something like 260,000,000 tons, enough it is 
said, for one hundred and thirty years. The Ocean 
Company employs 6,000 miners. The area of the 
North Wales coal field is ninety miles. These col- 
lieries have an old look ; it is thought that they were 
discovered in the reign of Edward I. At one time, 
they supplied Dublin and the east coast of Ireland 
with coal. Sir Hussey Vivian, M. P., ventures the 
statement " that South Wales alone could supply all 
England with coal for five hundred years." Ofiicial 
coal statistics were first collected in 1855. The fol- 
lowing table will show the gradual development of 
the industry in South Wales : , . 



YEAR. 


TONS. 


VKAK. 


TONS. 


1855, 
i860, 
1865, 
1870, 


9,677,270; 
8,905,313; 

9,894,507 ; 

11.625,806; 


1873, 
1874, 

1875, 
1880, 


12,291,523; 
12,610,185; 
12,969,905 ; 
16,126,631 ; 


1871, 


11,620,000 ; 


I 884, 


21,671,558; 


1872, 


10,131,720; 


1885, 


20,270,919; 



Glamorganshire is the principal mining county in 
South Wales, and Denbighshire in North Wales. Of 
the total output of 21,670,000 tons in 1885, 17,209,- 
000 tons were mined in Glamorganshire and 1,710,- 
000 in Denbighshire. Cardiff, South Wales, is the 
most important foreign coal shipping port in the 
United Kingdom. The coal exports from this port 
for 1 89 1 were 829,826 tons against 368,158 tons from 
the port of New Castle, the chief foreign coal ship- 
ping port in England. The total exports from the 
four Welsh shipping ports, Cardiff, Newport, Swan- 

157 



sea and Llanelly, amounted to 1,050,048 tons, against 
435,229 tons shipped from the three principal Eng- 
lish ports, New Castle, South Shields, and North 
Shields. 

These coal fields have been visited by disastrous 
explosions from time to time. The most notable are 
the following : In January, 1844, a great catastrophe 
occurred at Dinas, in the Rhondda Valley, when a 
number lost their lives. In 1844, forty were killed 
in a mine near Narberth. About the year 1852 mine 
catastrophes occurred at Aberdare, Glamorganshire, 
Llanelly and Pontyberem, Carmarthenshire. Twenty- 
six lives were lost at Pontyberem. Among the ex- 
plosions of later times are the following : Abercarne, 
Monmouthshire, Mardy and Ferndale, Glamorgan- 
shire, South Wales, which occurred from the year 
1866 to i868,when some hundreds of the brave work- 
ers lost their lives. Early in 1890, Llanerch and 
Morfa, Glamorganshire, South Wales,were visited by 
the destroying angel, when upwards of 300 miners 
lost their lives under the most harrowing circumstan- 
ces. A terrible explosion occurred at Park Slip Col- 
liery, Toudu, Glamorganshire in 1892, which resulted 
in the loss of many lives. 

Twenty years ago lead mining was an important 
industry in the Principality; but to-day it is compara- 
tively insignificant. The principal reason for this de- 
cline is the importing of large foreign supplies of the 
product — notably from Spain, where labor is very 
cheap. The Welsh production of dressed ore in 
1885-86 was 8,906 tons, against 11,929 tons in Dur- 
ham, the principal lead district in England, and 6,- 

158 



868 tons in the Isle of Man. The principal lead dis- 
tricts in Wales are North Cardiganshire and South 
Montgomeryshire. Owing to the depressed condition 
of the country, the miner receives the merest pittance 
in wages. Most of them manage by pinching thrift 
to possess the traditional cow, minus the acre ; and 
this cow, with other odds and ends, enable them to 
eke out a subsistence. 

The slate industry is important. The following is a 
summary of Government .^late statistics of the United 
Kingdom for 1882-85 : 

YEAR. TONS. VKAR. TONS. 

1882, 505-780; 1884, 485,664; 

1883, 498,940; 1885, 468,954; 

Decrease from 1882 — 35,826 tons. The amount in 
value is as follows: 1882, ^1,292,990; 1883, £1^- 
249,380; 1884, /i, 174,020; 1885, i"i, 175,772. De- 
crease from 1882 — ;^'i 17,218. The price per ton 
during these years was as follows: 1882, £2 i2s 
io>^d; 1883, ;^2, i2s 2d; 1884, ;^2, 8s 4;^d ; 1885, 
£2 los i-)4^d. Decrease from 1882 — 2s 8-):(d. 

The production of Slates and Slabs for 1885, were 
as follows : 



COUNTY. 


TONS. 


TOTAL VALUE. 


PRICE PER TON. 


Carnarvonshire, 


261,194 


;^657,83i 


£2 los 4'^d. 


Merionethshire, 


155.664 


^435.438 


£2 15s II>^d. 


Denbighshire, 


4,527 


^10,187 


£2 5s. 


Cardiganshire, 
Montgomeryshire, 


1.362 


£ZA<>i 


£2 9s ii'Xd. 


Breconshire, 


94 
422,811 


£i(>o 


£1 14s y2<\. 


Total for Wales, 


/^I. 107,017 


£2 I2S 4^d. 






TONS. VALUE. 


VAL. PER TON. 


Total for England . , 




26,905, ;^40,94I, 


£1, IDS, 5Xd 


Total for Scotland . 




19.238, /:27,8i4, 


/'i, 8s, u d 


Total for United Kingdom, 


468,954. ^1,175.772, 


£2, IDS, I^d 



159 



The following is the number of men engaged in 
this industry in North Wales : 

1882, 14,259; 1883, 14,018; 1884, ; 1885, 13.987 

Decrease from 1882 — 272. 

It will be interesting to note the slate exports and 
their value from 1874 to 1885 : 



YEAR. 


NUMBER. 


VALUE. 


YEAR. 


NUMBER. 


VALUE. 


1874, 


39,937.036, 


;^255,798; 


1880, 


31,189,500, 


;^i76,533 


1875, 


40,343,205, 


;^309,6i7; 


1881, 


38,415,100, 


^212,699 


1876, 


38,760,640, 


;^3iii932; 


1882, 


47,366,300, 


;^250,226 


1877, 


37,565,282, 


^294-515 ; 


1883, 


34,544,400, 


;^I92,257 


1878, 


24,268,500, 


^204.636 ; 


1884, 


49,035,600, 


^251,824 


1879, 


27,801,100, 


;^i83,9i3; 


1885, 


45,482,000, 


;^242,484 



The amount and value of Welsh Slates sent to 
foreign countries in the years 1884 and 1885 : 







1884. 




1885 


. 


COUNTRY. 




NUMBER. 


VALUE. 


NUMBER. 


VALUE. 


Germany, 


3 


5,079,900, 


^163,321 


31,279,100, 


;^I48,952 


Australasia. 




5,735,700, 


^37,474 


7,491,900, 


^^49.58 1 


Denmark, 




3,094,900, 


^^34,304 


2,442,300, 


^27,888 


France, 




2,500,200, 


;^4,i75 


1,571,500, 


.^3,291 


Channel Islands, 




571,600, 


.^4,076 


595,700, 


^4,139 


Holland, 




556,400, 


i:i,887 


307,100, 


;^9I3 


Belgium, 




323,500, 


^436 


373,800, 


£2(>^ 


Austrian Territories, 


307,503, 


;^478 


680,900, 


£^,S92 


British Possessions 
in South Africa, 


\ 


178,400, 


£^,213 


291,500, 


£iM^ 


Argentine Republic, 


173,500, 


/857 


252,900, 


;^2,336 


British East India 




139,500, 


;^93I 


69,900, 


;^596 


United States, 




124,900, 


;^4iS 






British West India 


\ 










Is., and Guiana, 


101,900, 


^735 






Sweden, 




70,000, 


£83^ 


60,500, 


;^754 


Uruguay, 




27,800, 


£^is 


3,000, 


;^28 


Western Africa, 




25,700, 


£m 


40,900, 


.^259 


Italy, 




17,500, 


;^248 






Turkey, 




2,500, 


.;^40 


4,000, 


£ts 


Gibraltar, 




2,400, 


;^22; 


1,800, 


£22 


British Honduras, 




2,300, 


;^28 






Norway. 




1,500, 


^20 


10,200, 


£lo 


West India Is- 


^ 
















5,000, 


£a^ 


lands, (Foreign] 






• 




Total, 


49,035,600, 


;^25I,824 


45,482,000, 


;^242,484 








160 







Gold in Wales sounds strange to those unfamiliar 
with the country ; but the fact remains that a con- 
siderable portion of Wales, notably North Wales, is 
strongly auriferous. There is substantial evidence 
that the Romans worked gold at the Ogofan mines, 
Carmarthenshire and at Llanddovery, Radnorshire. 
Mr. Vanderbilt in his excellent work on "Gold in 
Wales and Great Britain" furnishes the following 
facts bearing upon the history of this industry in the 
Principality. "Athelstan is said to have imposed 
upon the conquered Princes of Wales, an annual 
tribute of 200 pounds of gold, and 300 pounds of 
silver. In the Manual of Geology, by John Phillips, 
the heroic acts of three chieftains : Caswallon, Man- 
awddan and Llew Llangyfies, who were distinguished 
by their golden cars, from which it seems natural to 
infer that the mines in North Wales were also worked 
at a very early period. Indeed the style of golden 
weapons, torques, 27 ozs; bracelets, 17 ozs; brooches, 
rings, bulloe boxes, discs, chains of twisted gold links 
euphoniously called endorchawg, which have been 
found in the graves of chieftains and elsewhere, is of 
remarkable simplicity, and quite unlike the ornamen- 
tation of the early Christian period, and the natural 
supposition is that such ornaments belong to prehis- 
toric ages." 

In the reign of James I, Sir Hugh Myddleton paid 
the Crown ;^400 per annum rent for the mines at 
Skibery Coed, in Cardiganshire. His profits from 
these mines amounted to $10,000 a month, which he 
is credited with using to bring the New River from 
Ware to London. IMr Thomas Bushnell, who lived 

161 



in the reign of Charles I, known later as Sir T. Bush- 
nell, Knt, Private Secretary to Francis Bacon, was 
lurgely interested in Welsh Gold Mines. He iS cred- 
ited with rendering- the Crown substantial service by 
means of the Royal IMines in Cardiganshire, and those 
in Barmouth and * Dolgelly, Merionethshire. His 
earnings were fabulous, and for the convenience of 
his employes, the King allowed him to set up a pri- 
vate mint of his own in Aberystwith, and made him 
Governor of Lundy Island, for the better protection of 
his shipping interest. In return, when the C^ivil War 
broke out, Mr Bushnell supplied his King with : 

1, One hundred tons of lead to convert into bullets; 

2, Ten thousand arms for his troops ; 3, Twenty 
thousand suits of clothes for the Royal Army ; 4, A 
troop of horse to attend His ISIajesty's person ; 5, One 
thousand stout miners as a Life Guard ; 6, Ninety 
thousand pounds sterling premium to his Majesty's 
use for five years ; 7, Sundry thousands of gold marks 
for his private use. 

He also defended Lundy Island at his own expense, 
the whole of this being done from the proceeds of his 
mines in Cardiganshire. A gold medal, of the value of 
^5, which was struck by Bushnell at his Aberystwyth 
mint, as share certificates, is still preserved at the 
British Museum. 

The following is an abstract of a Joint Stock Gold 
and Silver Mining Company founded in 1670: 

An agreement and subscription made April 19, 1670, by Prince 
Rupert, Duke of Bavaria and Cumberland, together with divers noble, 
eminent and worthy persons, joynt undertakers, for the working of 
certain Mines Royal in the counties of Cardigan and Merioneth, as the 
same now stands altered January 2Slh, 1671. 

162 



Whereas, The said persons have joyiitly and iitiaiiimously a(;ri,'e<l to 
work certain Mines Royal, in the said counties, and for the effectual 
doing of the same have agreed to advance tiie sum of ^^4,000, according 
to the sul)Scription lierein mentioni-d, wiieicof one nioicly is already 
paid down. And, 

Wmkreas, the same persons have already had divers meetings for 
the rechicing of the said work into certain rules, orders and methods, it is 
now lierchy declared, articled and agreed, hy and between us, tlie said 
parties subscribing and sealing these presents, and the same shall be as 
hereinafter in these presents as declared. 

Following these declarations are the names of the 
company among which arc some of the most distin- 
guished men of the times. These and many more 
facts that might be adduced ])rove that gold was 
worked in Wales at a very early date, (iold has been 
found at the following places : Merionethshire, Vigra, 
Clogau, Carthgell, Cambrian Mine, Prince of Wales 
Mine, Moel Ispri, Mawddach Mine, Dolclochydd, Glas- 
dir Mine, Friddgoch, Tyrr-y-ben-rhos, Bcnrhos, West 
Dolgrwynog, Dolgrwynog, Buarthrae, Doledd, Cwmbe- 
isian,Gwynfynydd,or Morgan Mine, Tyddyn Gwladys, 
Pcnmaen, Ganllewyd, Berthlwyd, Cefncoch, Caerg- 
wernog, Garn, Caemawr, Cain River, Cefndendwr, 
Castell — Carndochan ; Carnarvonshire — near Snow- 
don; Cardiganshire — Cwmsymlog; Carniartheiishire — 
Ogofan, near Caio ; Flintshire; Pembrokeshire. 

Among these, (jwynfynydd ranks first easily. 
After a sojourn of twenty years in the Australian gold 
fields, Mr Pritchard Morgan, M. P., returned to his 
native land, Wales, wealthy and possessed of a large 
mining experience, (xwynfynydd had long been re- 
garded as a worked out mine, but the excellent judg- 
ment and i)usli of Mr M(jrgau demonstrated beyond 
doid>l that ( iwynfyn)'d(l could be worked at a credit- 

^^3 



able profit. The Morgan Gold Mining Compai:^- was 
formed in 1888, with a capital of $10,500.00, to work 
one Inindred and thirty-seven acres of gold-bearing 
qnartz land. The first year's operation resnlted in 
the extraction of 5,764 onnces of gold, worth nearly 
$100,000, and the company made a net profit of 
$59,045. The yield did not improve much in the 
following years, and finally the Crown levied an exe- 
cvition upon the mine for unpaid royalties, which 
brought things to a standstill. The mines are closed 
at present (1893) and two hundred men are thrown 
out of employment. It is thought, however, that 
they will soon be in operation again. From the start, 
in 1888, upwards of $250,000 have been brought to 
the surface. The Crown demands one-thirtieth of the 
gross output, instead of the net profit. After some 
agitation, the royalty was reduced from one-thirtieth 
to one-himdredth of the output, pending the report of 
the Royal Commission now inquiring into the whole 
question of Mining Royalties. ]\Iost people who are 
acquainted with the question, believe that Mr Morgan's 
contentions are just, and that gold mining in Wales 
could be put on a profitable basis, providing the Gov- 
ernment was less exorbitant in its demands. There 
is an abundance of scientific testimony to prove that 
these mines, particularly the Gwynfynydd, are strongly 
auriferous, and have yielded, under favorable condi- 
tions, splendid returns. 

In an article in the "Industrial Review" of Jan- 
uary ist, 1877, Mr Readwin, F. R. G. S., says: 
" Four or five years ago, I collected authentic data 
from five localities of the Merioneth gold area : No 

164 



I, 300 tons of ore yielded to owners 176 ounces of 
gold; No. 2, 311 tons yielded 117 ounces; No. 3, 
2,560 tons yielded 1,040 ounces ; No. 4, 3,900 tons 
yielded 1,672 ounces; No. 5 — Clogau — 5,063 tons 
yielded 11,662 ounces; making a total of 14,667 
ounces of gold extracted from 12,137 tons of load 
stuffs, being an average of one ounce and a quarter 
per ton of mineral." 

The Iron industry is one of Wales' oldest and most 
important. It is believed that the Romans had works 
near Pontypool, South Wales. A charcoal blast 
furnace was erected here in 1565. Merthyr and 
Dowlais were early iron seats. It is maintained that 
Dowlais manufactured iron in 1478, and that Merthyr 
could boast of her furnaces in the reign of Queen 
Elizabeth. There was a blast furnace at Cwmaman, 
near Aberdare, South Wales, in 1520, operated by 
three Irishmen, brothers. Hirwain had a blast fur- 
nace in 1666, built by one Maybery. A blast furnace 
was erected at Ffwrnes-y-garn, Aberdare, in 1773, by 
one Bownser, and another at I^lwydcoed in 1799. A 
man named Birch erected a furnace at Abernant. 
The following statistics will give us an idea of the 
steady progress of this industry in one of its strongest 
seats: 1815, Iron made in the Parish of Aberdare, 
20,000 tons; 1841, 25,000 tons; 1852, 82,000 tons. 
In 1853, the iron made in Aberdare alone amounted to 
35,202 tons. In 1830 the production of pig iron in 
England and Wales amounted to 640,917 tons, which 
was made by 345 furnaces ; Scotland in the same 
year produced 37,500 tons from twenty-seven fur- 
naces. 

165 



The number of blast furnaces in England and 
Wales at the beginning of 1884 was returned at 745, 
of which 327 were in blast. In Scotland there were 
143 and 95 in blast, making the total for Great 
Britain 888, of which 422 were in blast. 140 of 
these were situated in Yorkshire, 131 in Staffordshire, 
89 in Glamorganshire, and 86 in Lanarkshire. 

The following is the production of pig iron in 
Wales from 1852 to 1885 : North Wales, 1852, 30,000 
tons; 1884, 27,804 tons; 1885, 36,766 tons. South 
Wales : 1852, 31,000 tons ; 1884, 817,932 tons ; 1885, 
777,630 tons. 

The production of Bessemer steel — steel ingots — 
has increased considerably since 1S71, when the total 
British output amounted to only 329,000 tons, which 
is less than the amount now made in South Wales 
alone. The following is the output of each manu- 
facturing district of the United Kingdom for the 
years 1882-1885, inclusive: 

YEAR, YEAR, YEAR, YEAR, 

1882. 18S3. 1884. 1885. 

TONS. TONS. TONS TONS. 

South Wales 483,086 504,966 387,728 403,114 

Sheffield 420.000 285,763 205,983 202,342 

Cleveland 326,924 304,606 285,704 282,642 

L.incashire and Staffordshire,. .252,313 247,440 205,127 182,034 

West Cumberland 191,326 210,605 -I5'i34 176,869 

The increase in 1884 in the production of open- 
hearth steel was chiefly in South Wales and Scotland. 

Wales is the principal tin plate manufacturing 
centre in the world. Welshmen have engaged in this 
industry from the earliest times. For many years the 
Principality has enjoyed a monopoly of this industry. 
The Welsh are skilled tin plate workers. Of 519 tin 

166 



plate mills operated in England and Wales 490 are 
in Wales. Of the twenty-nine mills operated in 
England, thirteen, at least, are owned by Welshmen. 
It is estimated that from 40,000 to 50,000 men, boys 
and girls find employment in these mills. The ontput 
is 13,000,000 boxes, of which abont 7,000,000 boxes 
are sent to America. The McKinley tariff bill had a 
disastrons effect on the Welsh tin trade. In Jnly, 1891, 
over twenty thonsand tin plate workers were sns- 
pended, in consequence of its passage, which caused 
much sufiering among the workmen and their fami- 
lies. Since Mr Cleveland has been returned to power 
things have brightened considerably, and many of 
these suspended plants are in operation again. The 
exports of tin plate from Britain for the years 
1889-91 are as follows : 

TONS. VAI.UK. 

June, i88y 3(>,(>^7 12,531,600 

June, 1890 39.370 2,901,600 

June, 1891 7')3io 5,818,600 

These figures show that the export in 1891 was 
double the value of the two corresponding months 
in 1889 '^^^^^ 1890. 

The six months ending in June, 1891, compared 
with the corresponding six months of the two pre- 
vious years show a similar state of things. Welshmen 
are fully convinced that America possesses the condi- 
tions for the successful manufacture of tin plate. 
While the industry in Wales is in no immediate dan- 
ger of being permanently injured, it is evident that 
the people of Wales view with more or less apprehen- 
sion the rapid growth of the infant tin industry in 
America. The quarterly report ending December 

167 
\ 



31, 1892, gives the output of tin plate in the United 
States as follows: 19,756,491 pounds, which was 
made by thirty-two companies. The previous quar- 
ter's product was 10,952,725. At the present rate 
of progress, the home market will be wholly 
supplied by American firms at no distant date. 

Agriculture has declined in Wales during the last 
two decades. The following table gives the official 
estimated yearly average yield per acre of the fol- 
lowing crops : 

G'T KKITAIN. F.NC.I.AND. SCOTLAND. WALES. IRELAND, 

lU'SHELS. })USHELS, BUSHELS. HUSHELS. BUSHELS. 

Wheat 28. So 28.94 3-85 21.53 26.75 

Barley 34.02 34.35 34.77 27.78 38. 98 

Oats 39.04 42.10 35.75 32.48 35.28 

Beans 30.36 30.30 31.87 27.36 

Peas 28.48 28.57 23.61 22.23 

TONS. TONS. TONS. TONS. TONS. 

Potatoes 6. II 6.32 5.79 5.43 3.3 

Turnips 15.27 15.02 15-94 16.05 12.47 

Manifolds ... 19.81 19S9 i?"^ 16.47 i3-3 

Hay 1.41 1.42 1.59 1.16 2.06 

Hops 7-^4 7 84 

The wheat acreage in Wales is small. 

The largest area is 14,200 in Montgomery, North 
Wales. In Scotland, the largest areas are in Fifeshire 
and Forfarshire, which contain 10,000 acres each. 
The acreage yield of barley is estimated at 27.91 
bushels per acre! The annual acreage planted with 
barley in Wales has been declining since 1879, when 
it amounted to 152,491 acres, wliile in last year it 
was but 125,524. The acreage for years ending 1875 
was 161,650 acres. 

During the last decade, the area sown with barley 
in Ireland declined from 254,292 acres in 1879, to 

168 



179,477 "^ 1885. The average yield per acre for ten 
years is thirty-four bushels. Last year (1892) the 
crop returned 36.05 bushels, or about two bushels 
above the average. 

The land appropriated to the cultivation of oats in 
Wales has been fairly steady during the last ten years. 
It fell to 226,900 acres in 1879, but in 1883 it had 
increased to 254,552 acres, while last year it declined 
again to 246,656, which was about the average num- 
ber sown with this cereal for the five years ending 
1875. The average yield is estimated at 32.48 bushels 
per acre.* 

Dairy farming, though not on a large scale, has at- 
tained nuich efficiency. Welsh butter and cheese are- 
proverbially marketable, and in the great mining 
centres the demand for the Welsh brand is very 
great. 

Of late years, Danish butter shops have sprung 
into existence in South Wales. Oleomargarine is 
universally spurned by the Welsh. Dairy schools 
are becoming popular. in the Principality. The teach- 
ing is mainly itinerant and embraces the scientific and 
practical phases of dairy work. 

Fruit farming is sadly neglected. The Welsh area 
is only 3,300 acres. Scotl^yid and Ireland seem to be 
in a worse condition still. Scotland's area is 1,892 
acres, while in Ireland the industry is nearly totally 
neglected. 

Vegetable culture is also in a very bad state in the 
Principality. The total area under vegetable cultiva- 
tion is only 682 acres, and in Scotland 4,869. 

*I5arker's Trade Annual. 

169 



The average under vegetables in Great Britain is 
59,473 acres. This is exclusive of land where 
vegetables are grown in rotation with the usual farm 
cropping. The farm hands in Wales are a poorly 
paid class. In North America, farm laborers are paid 
from $240 to $360 per year with board and lodging. In 
Wales, the average wages of the head hand is $100 
per year with board and lodging. Ordinary farm 
hands are paid from $50 to $75 per annum with 
board and lodging. The married hands pay from $6 
and $7 to $15 per annum for rent. In addition to 
this, they manage to feed, clothe and fairly educate 
their families. 

Among the other Welsh industries may be men- 
tioned woolen manufacture, which is quite extensive. 
The principal centres are Llanidloes, North Wales, 
and Swansea and Carmarthen, South Wales. Refer- 
ence has already been made to the importance of the 
Welsh ports. Notwithstanding the Welsh labor 
troubles in 1891, there was an increase of nearly four 
hundred and fifty thousand tons in the total ship- 
ments for the year just ended. Last year Cardiff 
cleared 1,230,394 for the United Kingdom ports, 
and 9,481,802 for foreign wards, making a total of 
10,712,196 tons. In 1891, 9,962,863 tons were sent 
abroad, 1,298,545 tons being shipped coastwise.. . . 
Ten years ago, Cardiff exported 5,496,442 tons, her 
coasting trade being 933,505 tons; while in 1885 
this had grown to 7,132,133, foreign, and 1,090,253 
coastwise. Appended are a series of tables compiled 
from Browne's export list : 



170 



January, 189 i.. 

February 

March 

April 

May 

June 

July 

August 

September 

October 

November 

December 



January, 1891 

February 

March 

April 

May 

June 

July 

August 

September 

October 

November 

December 



January, 1891 

February 

March 

April 



CARDIFF. 






Coal. 


Iron. 


Coke. 


P. Fuel. 


838,197 


9.294 


5,983 


19.132 


814,814 


6,025 


7,769 


21,706 


772,150 


2,501 


8,536 


19,718 


951.542 


3,514 


11,483 


27,445 


877,908 


6,927 


8,699 


21,432 


893.366 


6,003 


8,528 


29,598 


936,023 


4,231 


7,285 


31.017 


759.760 


5,865 


7,379 


26,592 


817,627 


6,742 


9,533 


23,795 


781,655 


6,341 


9. 191 


29,262 


689,995 


1,453 


11,380 


19,431 


829,826 


3.854 


6,430 


27,742 


9,962,863 


62,750 


102,196 


296,870 


NEWPORT. 




Coal. 


Iron. 


Coke. 


P. Fuel. 


145.911 


2,Il8 




6,011 


171,882 


2AiS>2 


54 


4,606 


137.335 


2,023 


35 


3,245 


130,619 


3,467^ 


290 


6,320 


139,227 


5,034 


14 




133,748 


9,o86>^ 


34 


4,844 


173,634 


^A^S'A 


224 


2,799 


137,086 


3.424 


67 


5,600 


149,386 


4.622>^ 




1,951 


152,431 


3.562 


119 


2,443 


147,068 


2,358 


118 


506 


125.756 


2,783^ 


20 

975 


5,222 


1,744,083 


47,309>^ 
EA. 


43,547 


SWANS 




Coal. 


Iron. 


Coke. 


P. Fuel. 


83,148 


255>^ 


450 


23,999 


84,777 


787 


1,252 


32,025 


67,150 


451 


1,229 


22,6ll 


73,260 


8 


1,830 


33,412 



171 



Coal. Iron. Ci>kk. P.Fueu. 

May ^^^-MSS 534 2,373 36,029 

.l""c ')-!,S5i i,o8S>i 1 ,340 32.745/^ 

.I"ly 9«.5.i<' 5'0>^ i.8«3 31.294 

A"K"st 71.949 «4<J S'4 32,907 

Scptemhor 66,450 286 103 27,831 

October 86,644 220 I.7S2 22,755 

November •*^-.3i3 467 212 24,483 

December 83,192 20 462 28,168 



968,425 4.773>a 13.330 347.2S9>i 



I.LANELLY 
Coal. Coal. 

jaiuiary, 1801 O.835 July 15,-02 

February 11 ,040 Autjust 1 2,048 

March 0, 1 12 September 1 2,504 

April 14,831 October <3.4i9 

May 10,083 November 10,931 

June 16.920 December 1 1,274 



COMrARAllVK STATKMKNT OF COAL FXTORTS. 
TiiK Wi'i.sii PoRis. The Tyne Ports. 

Dec. 1891 Dec. i8i)0 Dec. 1891 Dec. 1890 

368,158 309,052 
37.452 40.4<»3 

29,619 41,194 

Total ... 1,050,048 1,071,880 Total.... 433.220 300,709 



Cnnlitr. . . . 


. 829,826 


• 823.J<45 




Newport . . 


• >25.75<"' 


» 57.333 


Newcastle. 


SwaiK-^ea . . 


.. 83,192 


81,318 


S. ShicKls. 


l.lanclly .. 


■ » 1,274 


9,390 


N. Shields 



172 



Welsh politics. 



'^ There ie in nature no moving power but the naind ; 
in human affairBj this power is opinion) in political 
affairs It in ptjblic opinionj and this public opinion it ie. 
that finally wins the day. —Karl Kusscll. 



The Political Awakcninp — Welsh Representatives Tlien and Now — 
Irish Stickitivencss — The Welsh I-ahur Member — The Political 
Campaign — King Caucus — The CatniJuign Song — Preachers and 
Politics — Election Expenses — Women and Politics — The Spoils 
System — Welsh Political Issues. 

Forty years ago, the mere mention of Welsh 
politics would always succeed in raisinj;' a sarcastic 
Saxon smile. At that time, Wales was generally 
known at vSt vStei)hen's as " i)0()r little Wales" and 
" benighted Wales." So completely had England 
absorbed her, that at times she alTected the densest 
ignorance, concerning the Principality's existence 
and welfare. This studied neglect produced a species 
of political ajiathy that would be dilTicult to excel. 
At that time the political representatives were usually 
county squires, coal kings, iron kings, and a sprink- 
ling of lawyers. They took little interest in the 
del)ates, and rarely visited their constituencies. The 
anecdote fiend tells .some queer things about the 
Cambrian representatives of those halcyon day.s. 
Among them were many excellent exce])tions, as a 
matter of course. lUit the spirit and scope of Welsh 



^n 



politics have changed considerably since then. The 
last quarter of the nineteenth century will always be 
known as the period of the Welsh national awaken- 
ing — a great politico-social upheaval. The work of 
revolt and reconstruction has been silent, steady, and 
strong, and nowhere has it been felt more emphati- 
cally than in their politics. The immediate source 
of it was the extension of the franchise in 1875. 
The present electorate are well versed in political 
questions, and demand an intelligent representation. 
They belong chiefly to the Liberal party. In the 
election of 1892, the Liberals returned thirty-one out 
of the thirty-four members to which the country is 
entitled. 

The present Welsh representatives are fully 
equipped for the new order of things. They are 
well informed and in the closest sympathy with their 
constituents. They know what they want, and put 
forth concerted action to achieve it. They command 
respectful attention in the House of Commons. Dur- 
ing the debate on the Tithe Bill, they made an ex- 
cellent impression. Before it left the House they 
had considerably improved it. An ex-cabinet minis- 
ter, a little after this debate, said : " The Welsh 
members have, by showing a solidarity of another 
national party in the House strengthened the Liberal 
Part^• as a whole. Their patriotism is unquestioned. 
Thanks to the stickitiveness of the Irish members, 
they have demonstrated to their Welsh colleagues 
that in politics, like religion, ',' the violent taketh it 
by force." The recent discussion of the Clerical 
Discipline Bill evinced little of the traditional docil- 

174 



ity of the old-time Welsh member. They refused, 
even at the personal recjuest of Mr Gladstone, to 
discontinue their fierce opposition to the measure. 
The Speaker named them the Irrepressibles and 
sarcastically implied in his remarks that they took 
the palm as obstructionists. Judj^injj;- from the abuse 
heaped upon some of the junior Welsh members by 
the Tory press, they are men of much force of char- 
acter. Generally speakinj^, Wales was never so well 
represented as at present. The position of the La- 
bor representative is everythin.i;;^ but a sinecure. The 
demands on the member's time and talents are exor- 
bitant. There is little dann;er that he will forget his 
plebeian origin, because his slender income does not 
admit of luxury in any form whatever. The able 
and deservedly popular W. Abram, M. P. for Rhondda 
Valley, used to be paid by his constituents }i58oo per 
annum. Recently they have shown their apprecia- 
tion of his excellent services by making it $i,ooo per 
annum. There are, however, some perquisites con- 
nected with the position. The unbounded confidence 
almost amounting to worship — that the Rhonddaitcs 
place in their representative — is ample compensation 
for the misrepresentation he sometimes suffers. 
Election time is exciting — yea 1 to fever heat. It is 
interesting to note the universality of election fever. 
Strong men, delicate women and bright children 
have their favorite candidates, and vie with one an- 
other in advancing their interests. The issues of tlie 
campaign are flavored with well directed raillery and 
banter. The political meeting is usually addressed 
by well known politicians, who indulge freely in a 

175 



feast of reason and soul. The audience responds vo- 
ciferously. Sometimes, the canvass degenerates into 
vituperation and general disorder, unbecoming the 
gravity of the situation. The traditional brass band 
and campaign song are important factors in every 
campaign. Such songs as : Tippecanoe and Tyler 
too. Rally 'Round the Flag Boys, Uncle Sam is Do- 
ing Business at the Same Old Stand, and Marching 
Through Georgia, have had a wonderful influence 
upon American politics. Their stirring strains have 
determined largely the complexion of many a cam- 
paign. The ballad is also a notable factor in Welsh 
politics. The less Said about the political merits of 
some of these effusions the better, but, nevertheless, 
they catch the popular ear. > During my sojourn in 
Wales, death occasioned a vacancy in one of the 
old South Wales constituencies. A Loudon barrister 
was the choice of the Liberal five hundred. The 
preachers almost to a man ratified the choice of King 
Caucus. The workingmen of the borough did not 
take kindly to the nominee. Mr Pritchard Morgan, 
who had recently returned from Australia, with a 
considerable fortune, and famous already as the 
owner of the gold mines in North Wales, entered the 
field as an independent candidate. The peculiar and 
daring circumstances of his candidature made him a 
special favorite with the workingmen. When Greek 
met Greek the whole matter resolved itself into the 
preachers versus people. The workingmen intro- 
duced their candidate thus : 

Hail, all hail to Pritchard Morgan, 
Let the thousands through Glamorgan 
Greet our hero strong in union ; 
Worlhy man is he. 

176 



Now his fame o'er lands extendeth, 
And his praise o'er oceans reacheth, 

Hero Ijoid and free. 

To the horouph came he, 

From the Northern country, 
And he enters full of nii^ht. 
To fij^ht the Cttunsel's army, ike, ike. 

The friends of the barrister indulged freely in rid- 
icule. Here's a specimen of their ballad : 

" The Tories and the little boys call me the Golden Kin^;, 
They tell me that the Caucus man down to the dust I'll l)ring. 
There's not a street through which I pass, no matter where 1 go, 
Hut admirers peer in wonder at the mighty Monarch, (). 
I came away to Merlliyr, as well as Aberdare, 
To get me into Parliament, by whom I do not care ; 
I'm no base Kad, nor yet a Whig, or Tory, no, no, no ! 
I'm simply Pritchard Morgan, the mighty Monarch, (.)." 

During the election of 1892 Mr Lewis Morris' ex- 
cellent campaign song did yeoman service, as Mr 
Gladstone's letter of thanks to the eminent Welsh- 
man abundantly testifies. We are told that over 
100,000 copies of the song were sold in a few days. 
The lines are as follows : 

" Again the dust, the stress, the strife , 
The apjilause, the cries, the storm of life ; 
'I'he marching fdes, the shouting throng ; 
The (lags, the bands, the bursts of song. 

Our great old Captain leads us still. 
With eh^iuent tongue, defying time, 
Keen brave, large heart, undaimted will — 
In their unchanging aims sublime ! 

The self same problems vex and fire, 
The generous souls which yearn to free 
The helpless land whose sons aspire 
To rule themselves through liberty." 

Let shameless schemers strive to wake, 
The bigot rage which fired the stake ; 
We will not hold our liberties 
In thrall to dolts or knaves like these. 



177 



March on, fiijht on, brave sons of rit^lit, 
Long have ye laboured through tlie iiieht — 
Behold ! al last, the victory won 
The flowing tide — the ascending sun. 

The political meeting in Wales is never dnll. The 
speeches are usnally well informed and spiced with 
witticisms. If it is a Liberal meeting, it will be the 
snpreme duty of the candidate and his friends to 
show the vileness and utter worthlessness of the Con- 
servative party. If it is a Conservative meeting, the 
speakers will deem it their duty to score the radicals 
in particular, and the Gladstonians in general. 

The electors take a hand in the proceedings, too. 
The candidate's knowledge of politics is put to a se- 
vere test. A series of questions are put to him. 
Some are for information, some for amusement, while 
others are put with the fiendish intention of harrass- 
ing the candidate. James Payne in his English 
Notes in The Independent gives the following story 
which illustrates the nature of some of the funny 
questions put to him. 

'' In a very crowded meeting where the audience 
could scarcely breathe, a man exclaimed : I want to 
put a question to Mr Binks (the candidate). 

Well, Sir, replied he, I am here to answer all ques- 
tions. 

Then, what did Mr Gladstone say in 1862 ? 

That is an absurd question, he said so many things. 

Never mind, what did he say in 1862 ? 

Here there was great disapprobation and tumultous 
cries of turn him out ! 

I again repeat ! exclaimed the irrepressible one, 
what did Mr Gladstone 

178 



Here he was seized and willi difliculty shoved lo 
the other end of the hall. A friend accompanied 
him, and loaded him with reproaches. Why, Jack, 
whatever has come to yon ? Von're a good Radical, 
ain't yon ? 

Yes, I am a jyood Radical. 

And yon have no objection to Rinks, nor yt-t to 
Glad.stone ? 

No ; not as I know of. 

Then why did yon make such a fool of )'oiirself by 
repeatinji^ that idiotic question ? 

Because I wanted to get a little fresh air ;uid didn't 
know how else to get out of the place. 

Com])ared with the election costs of some of our 
politicians, the election expenses of some Welsh 
Members during the recent elections will appear 
moderate. Mr Bowen Rolands Q. C. M. P. for 
Cardiganshire spent for campaign purposes $3,480.52 ; 
the defeated candidate in this county, I*. P. Pennant, 
.spent $2,113.56 ; Stuart Rendel, M. P. for Montgom- 
ery.shire, spent $6,472.76. In Denbigh boroughs, Mr 
Kenyon's expenses were $2,694.45 ; the defeated can- 
didate in these boroughs, Mr Howell Williams, .spent 
$2,734.33. In Radnorshire, Mr Frank Kdwards spent 
$5,092. 16, and his unsuccessful opponent spent $5,- 
043.08. The relation of religion to politics is very 
clearly defined in the minds of non-conformist preach- 
ers. Questions of vital importance to the social wel- 
fare compel them to be partisans. They j)ut forth 
their best efforts to secure the return of their favorite 
candidates ; for this they are roundly abu.sed by their 
opponents. The basest motives are a.scribed to their 

179 



political activities. Notwithstanding this undeserved 
abuse, they go on interpreting the true polity of the 
nation with persuasive eloquence. Bad elements in 
politics are a curse to any people. 

What a doleful comment upon a nation is that trite 
sentence : " Our best men are not in politics.'' This 
cannot be charged against the Welsh. Wales owes 
much of her present prosperity to preachers, who 
with tongue and pen, have advocated the candidacy 
of men who were prepared to voice the best aspira- 
tions of the people. And yet they are not priest-rid- 
den by any means. In the South Wales election 
heretofore mentioned, the people cut loose entirely 
from the Caucus man who was enthusiastically advo- 
cated by the preachers, rallied around their favorite 
candidate, and elected him by a large majority. Time 
has ratified the wisdom of their choice. 

It is safe to say that public morality stands high in 
Wales. This excellent spirit is known in England as 
the non-conformist conscience. Wales demands above 
everything else that the man who seeks her suffrages 
shall possess character. One of Ireland's greatest 
curses is indifference to the private lives of her rep- 
resentatives. It would be well nigh impossible to 
elect an immoral man for a Welsh constituency, 
though he possessed the gifts and graces of a god. 
W^omen in politics is something " reel new " to 
Welshmen. In by-gone times she felt satisfied to ex- 
ert her political power through "Him ", but that idea 
has become antiquated. To-day Welsh women are 
fairly equipped for active political duties. Branches 
of the Women's Liberal Federation and the Womcn's- 

i8o 



I 

Primrose League, conservative, arc htcoiiiing numer- 
ous in the Principality ; and no one would care to 
deny that they are exerting a wholesome influence 
on Welsh politics. Strange as it may appear, wo- 
men's sufirage is much further advanced in Wales 
than in America. The Welshwoman " has arrived," 
and i)romises to make future public affairs interest- 
ing. 

Considering that the spoils system is not in vogue 
over there, the unselfish interest manifested in elec- 
tions is most praiseworthy. The New Haven Regis- 
ter gives the following facts about an PvUglish elec- 
tion : " About one thousand candidates for seats in 
the House of Commons will present themselves to 
the electors, and of the six hundred and seventy who 
will be elected, not over eighteen will have a chance 
of a place with a salary. Not one will be able to 
promise a worker or a voter a subordinate office of 
any description unless a menial one Not one clerk 
in the Custom House or Post Office or Inland Reve- 
nue Ofiice or War Office or Admirality has anything 
to fear or hope as the result of the election. The ex- 
citement about the canvass in all these de])artments 
is exactly like the excitement in dry goods and drug 
stores and breweries. Contributions to the election 
funds are made by government clerks, if made at all, 
on precisely the same grounds as ctmtributions by 
doctors or lawyers or clergymen, that is, a man gives 
if he feels disposed, or can affi)r(l it." Tweed ism .ind 
Tannnanyism couldn't exist under such conditions. 

The political program of tlie Welsh Party is both 
varied and interesting. It contains, among other im- 
portant subjects, the following: 

i8i 



Disestablishment and disendowment of the State 
Church, education, temperance, land refonn, mine 
legislation and home rule. Of these, disestablish- 
ment ranks first easily. Education is considered 
vital. The feeling in favor of a National Univer- 
sity is general. An amended Employers' Liability 
Act is loudly demanded. The agricultural problem 
is engaging the earnest thought of Wales' most 
prominent politicians. In 1891 there was much ag- 
ricultural depression in the Principality. The land- 
lords are painfully slow to share equitably these hard 
times ; hence the unrest in many agricultural locali- 
ties. That the Welsh farmers have been oppressed 
is evident from the following figures quoted by Mr T. 
Ellis, M. P., in a speech at Bethesda, North Wales : 
From 1 81 5 to 1880, the agricultural rents of England 
were raised from $171,640,000 to $241,761,845, an 
increase of 34.5 percent. In the same period, Welsh 
rents were raised from $9,660,000 to $16,365,855, an 
increase of 70 percent. From 1880 to 1890, English 
rents decreased $194,519,160, or 19.5 percent, and 
Welsh rents decreased in the same period $15,636,- 
990, or 4.4 percent. By comparing the figures of 
1 81 5 and 1890, it will be seen that Welsh rents have 
increased 61.3 percent, while English rents have been 
raised 13.3 percent. In a vigorous article in the 
Geninen (Leek), a Welsh quarterly, Mr Ellis points 
out other sources of agricultural depression in Wales. 
He says : 

" The law of primogeniture and the custom of en- 
tail, each alike alien to Welsh law and custom, have 
created great landowners into a privileged caste, ad- 

182 



mission to which is the highest aspiration of the 
English phitocracy. The doctrine of private owner- 
ship of land which obtained under the Tudors gov- 
erned agrarian relations in Wales, while the maxims 
of English law — that what attaches to the soil must 
belong to the soil — has been applied steadily and re- 
lentlessly to the agg;randizement of the land owners 
and the impoverishment of the tillers of the soil. 
The industrial revolution of the last century and the 
enhancement of agricultural prices by the Napoleonic 
wars opened the way for competitions, rack rents, the 
shameless enclosure of common land, the disappear- 
ance of yeoman owners, and the widening of the 
breach between the land and its tiller. The method 
of English taxation, legislation, and government have 
at every step helped to divorce Welshmen from the 
soil of Wales. The result is that 2,246,620 acres of 
land in Wales are owned by 672 men, the vast ma- 
jority of which have no social, political or religious 
sympathy with the mass of the Welsh people, while 
another million and a quarter acres are owned by a 
little over 4,000 persons. Add to this the fact that 
the vast crown lands of Wales have been filched, 
robbed away and mismanaged, and some conception 
is obtained of how the rights of the community, the 
rights of the husbandman, and the rights of industry 
have been subordinated to the aggrandizement ot a 
privileged landed caste." 

A Royal Commission has been appointed to inquire 
into the causes of the alleged agricultural depression. 
The landlords have combined to offer testimony fa- 
vorable to the present agricultural system. The 

183 



farmers have at last organized, and when they appear 
before the Royal Land Commission their case for a 
reconstruction of the present agricultural system will 
be both reasonable and strong. The New Welsh 
Land Law's principal features are : 

(i) Fair rent, to be decided by arbitrators, or a 
Welsh Land Commission. ^ 

(2) Security for tenure of land. 

(3) Compensation for improvements. 

(4) Compensation for losses through disturbances. 
Welsh politicians are divided on the question of 

Home Rule. The Radicals demand a Home Rule 
measure similar to that granted Ireland, while the 
Conservative Liberals are satisfied in the main with 
the National Institutions Bill drawn up by Mr A. 
Thomas, M. P., for East Glamorgan. This measure 
provides for " the appointment of a Secretary of State 
for Wales, the Constitution of a Welsh Education 
Department, of a Welsh University and a National 
Museum, and the creation of a National Council to 
control waste lands, foreshores, woods and forests, 
railway and private bills, charities, the appointment 
of county court judges, and the application of pro- 
visional orders to Wales." Mr Thomas himself 
writes as follows about the bill : " My firm opinion 
based on the fullest knowledge, is that the Welsh 
people do not desire Home Rule on the same lines as 
what has been demanded and proposed for Ireland. 
They will be content with something very different, 
and in view of many, more moderate. But all the 
same it is Home Rule. The great feature in the na- 
tional spirit of Wales in the past is that all attempts 

1 84 



to absorb Wales into Ivnglaiul have only liardeiied 
and strengthened our national characteristics, and the 
British I^nij)ire is all the belter for the tenacity with 
which Welshmen elinj^ to their lanj^uage and institu- 
tions, and the patriotic pride they cherish for tlu- land 
of their fathers. If the National Institutions Hill, 
which has received indorsement from such a larj^e 
number of representative Welshmen should be passed 
into law, it would lay the foundation for a future 
develo])ment of Wales, and for such a material pro- 
<;ress of the Princi'i)ality as would enable Welshmen 
to develop those great natural abilities which are un- 
surpassed by any race or people." 



iS.S 



The Grand Old Mao" and the Welsh. 



"And indeed, he Bccms to mc 
Scctrce other than my own ideal Knight, 
Who revcrenceB l)i6 conncience as hiB king; 
WhoBc glory is redivBBing human wrong." 

I'fUUVSC 



Mr (iladstoiic Atlinires Welsh Charaotor — Mrs lihvilstone — Mis Intlu- 
CMCi'nn Welsh Tolitics — Dotho Welsh Follow lliiu Hliiully ? — "The 
(.irauil t>Ul Mtin" «inl Welsh IMsestablishment — Mis Name a Talis- 
man lor Political Triumphs in the Principality — At the KislcvUiroil 
— At a Welsh Flower Show — His Memorable Visit at Swansea. 

Willi a rositloucc in Wales, and a life-lonj; political, 
social and reliti^ious acqnaiutauce with her people, Mr 
Ciladstone has enjoyed ample opportunities to know 
Wales and the Welsh. A people whose history is so 
leplete with antiquity atid romance; whose chief 
iliversion is the lusteddfod and whose .strongest and 
holiest passion is relii^ion, would not tail to captivate 
one whose literary ami relij>ious proclivities are so 
marked. Those nearest him know how ardently he 
admires Welsh character. It is not generally known 
thai Mrs (iladstone, mie of the vjtandest ot" women, is 
a Welsh lady. She is the danj^hter of the late Sir 
Stephen r.lvnne, Ilawarden Castle, Flintshire. Mr 
(iladstone's share in the Welsh political awakennio- is 
j^enerally acknowledjicd to be significant. His clear 
elucidation oi political measures and ehanninii 
eloqnence in the llonse has done more towards creat- 
ine a healthy Welsh political sentiment than he has 
been credited with. Before he unfolded his Home 

I So 



Rule- sclifim-, Wi'lsli politics wciv as calm and ])laci(l as 
an inland lake. In llu- rcsDlnlions ol" the Welsh party 
relating to Ihc Irish Mnddlc wt- (Ind these words : — 
" Mr Gladstone is for Wales, the embodiment of the 
principles of ri^hteonsness in i)id)lic affairs at personal 
risks, and at all personal sacrifices. It is hecanse he 
persnuded Wales that the Home Rule Cause was the 
can.se of rij^ht and trnth that Wales had returned a 
larj^er majority, relatively to representation, for Home 
Rnle, than Ireland herself." Some Welsh progressives 
have taken nml)ra}.je at these words. They maintain 
that, for Wales, he is not the embodiment of rij^ht- 
eonsness in public alTairs. They affirm that the 
j)eoi)le's political aspirations have .stolen the march 
on him. Radicals are free to say that Mr (ilad.stonc 
recognized Welsh claims when the overwhelming 
sentiment of the people demanded it. Tories gener- 
ally, and .some Liberals, say that Mr (Gladstone hood- 
winks the Welsh. They slyly hint that Welsh 
politics is only another name for "Im)11o\v the Ivcader." 
That he has a tremendons hold on their aflections 
cannot be denied ; bnt that they follow him blindly 
is not trne. No statement could be wider of the 
mark. Mr Jesse Collings, M. P., replying to a Welsh 
correspondent, .says : "We will have Disestablishment, 
bnt not s(K>n. Mr (iladstone is ecclesiastic to his 
fingers' ends. I am aware that he had written a letter, 
and led yon Welsh people to believe that he will give 
yon Disestablishment, bnt, if you observe closely, he 
has not said anything that he couldn't turn and twist 
any way he likes, if need be." At that tinje some 
Welsh Radicals expressed them.selves very strongly 

187 



about his apparent indifference to the claims of the 
people to Disestablishment. He didn't promise them 
aii\ thini;-. He advised them to wait. Mr Gee, the 
eminent Welsh politician, asked him some pertinent 
(piestions concerning- lus intentions towards the 
Principality. His reply was evasive, and they 
denounced him. Some of these expressions may 
have been uttered In rabid Irishmen in - the 
dark Kilmainham days. He that has a just cause can 
alVord to wail. While some of their brethren were 
airing their political wisdom and wrath, the 
level-headed politicians believed in him implicitly. 
'Plic\ were nuM-ally certain that their Moses would 
k\ul them safely to light and liberty. Time has 
proven that the Moderates were right ; the progress- 
i\es wrong. In liis speech on Disestablishment, on 
an evening in February, 1891, he paid a magnificent 
tribute to Nonconformity, and urged the .Government 
to grant the almost unanimous request of this people. 
.\mong other things he said : 

" Since the seventeenth century, when English- 
men occupied every bishopric, deanery and 
benefice of any \alue, the Welsh people set them- 
selves a gigantic task : the providing for their own 
religious worship. Although Nonconfonuity with 
undiminished energy retained its place in the 
hearts of tiio people, the church also displayed praise- 
worthy activity. It might be asked : Why interfere if 
the church was active and progressive and the Non- 
conformists contented ? Hut the latter were not con- 
tented, and the question was whether they were 
entitled to be discontented. ' They were making 

1 88 



indistinct terms with a voicx* very audible indeed ; a 
demand which he felt it to be his duty to listen to, and 
which he was convinced l)cfore lon^ the House would 
l)e compelled and disposed to listen to. lie did not 
think tile Welsh peopU- were disposed to make iueou- 
venient claims on the ground of nationality, but he 
believed they had the rij^ht to insist upon the British 
Parliament i)ayin^ due regards to their claims. On 
the question of the justice of the demand he had not 
said it was a repetition of the case of the Church of 
Ireland ; but it was so. The two vital determining 
points of the Church of Wales were that it was the 
church of the few, and the church of the rich. I.ook- 
mir at their numerical preponderance, and their 
distribution in respect to the various classes of society, 
it was not far from the truth to say that the Noncon- 
formists of Wales were the peo])le of Wales. Nobody 
could doul)t that the)' would aj^aiu speak as decisively 
as in i8S6, when, out of thirty nu-mbers, twenty-seven 
were pled<i;^ed in favor <jf Disestablishment. Such a 
voice could not be much lonj^er contravened by Hn^- 
lish votes. These semi-relijj^ious controversies were 
not j^ood for the temi)er or social condition of the 
country. Therefore, when the end is certain, there 
would be no advantage in lenj^theniu};' the struj^j^le. 
The byUj^lish were just people, and would insist upon 
the Welsh receiving satisfaction of their just demands, 
which, in like circumstances, they would claim for 
themselves." That ni|^dit sealed the doom of the 
Rstablishuuiit in Wales. Naturally, Nonconformists 
were jubilant. As his critics settled down to nuire 
.sober and nuiture juc!;>;ment, they believed that alter 

189 



all, he could be safely trusted to respond to the real 
will of the people. It is safe to say that a large 
majority of Welsh electors have unlimited confidence 
in his signal political ability and integrity. With 
a few exceptions, the Welsh representatives are 
sturdy Gladstonians. In a political gathering the 
mere mention of his name brings forth round after 
round of applause. No other name in British politics 
electrifies the people like his. What wonder, for he is 
"a man whose moral convictions, even on political 
subjects have the intensity, the dignity, the overmas- 
tering authority and force of a religion; a man who 
must follow his convictions whatever may come." 
At a flower show in Hawarden recently, he talked 
interestingly to the Welsh on fruit farming. He re- 
ferred to it as a pleasant and profitable diversion, and 
gladly recognized the success that had attended re- 
cent efforts to interest workingmen in this much 
neglected occupation. He was astonished that the 
Welsh, who were so fond of nature and poetry, had 
not paid more attention to general farming. None 
but those who have experienced it know the pleasure 
there is in cultivating a small garden and flowers. 
He believed fanners lost financially because they 
failed to cultivate fruit, and contended that they 
had enough spare time to attend to fruit farming. 
He didn't believe in the assertion that the climate 
was unfavorable, because Scotch fanner's succeeded 
with a worse climate. These talks have an excellent 
effect, and are prized the more because they are 
prompted by a sincere desire to benefit the people. His 
visit to Swansea, as the guest of Sir Hussey Vivian in 



190 



1887 was remarkable for the enthusiasm it created. 
Wales turned out en masse to do him honor. The 
ovation eclipsed everything of the kind in the Princi- 
pality's histor}'. Extra trains were run from all parts of 
the Principality, and thousands from distant parts 
helped to swell the sea of human figures. Liberals and 
Conservatives alike forgot party, that day, to honor the 
Grand Old Man. It was a red letter day. I am told 
that it took the procession, four abreast, fully eight 
hours to pass a given point in Sir Hussey Vivian's 
park. The excellent chorus singing, speech making, 
recitations and fireworks, added much to the interest 
of the auspicious occasion. The demonstrations 
given other notables, not excepting the Prince of 
Wales, pale into insignificance by comparison. It was a 
magnificent ovation, yea, the grandest ever given in 
Wales to any public man. It was a tribute to the 
peerless intellect and integrity of a man whom the 
people without distinction of condition or creed de- 
light to honor. His work for Welsh education must 
not be forgotten. When the Welsh University at 
Bangor was opened, October 18, 1884, Lord Powys 
gracefully, acknowledged the debt which was due 
to Mr Gladstone ; and Mr Mundella, Minister af 
Education, said his success in securing the grant was 
due mainly to the thorough affection for the Welsh 
people, the appreciation of Welsh character, and the 
sympathy with the intellectual aspirations of the 
Welsh which was felt by the Prime Minister. They 
are proud of his long list of political triumphs. The 
memor}' of his noble utterances for the real advance- 
ment of Wales will always be an inspiration. 

191 



Tt)e Welsb apd RoijaltlJ. 



Royalty and the Welsh Radicals '* on the Outs " — Royalty and the 
Eisteddfod — The Prince of Wales — The Queen's Visit to North 
Wales in 1890 — Royal Salaries — Democracy in Wales. 

The Welsh are essentially Democratic in spirit. A 
long and fierce struggle for freedom with kings and 
their allies has strengthened in them the desire for 
self-government. After repulsing the enemy, heroi- 
cally, for centuries, they were subjugated if not con- 
quered. Their history and traditions, at home and 
abroad, stamp them as having little affinity with glit- 
tering monarchic institutions. Whenever an oppor- 
tunity has offered itself to advance the cause ot 
Democracy, they have rarely failed to lend a sympa- 
thetic hand. The present reigning house is known 
to Wales in little more than in name. Very rarely 
have they honored themselves b>' visiting this roman- 
tic and picturesque corner of the British Isles. They 
have doubtless reasons for their indifferent attitude 
towards the "loyal Welsh," but it requires little pene- 
tration to obser^-e the depressing effect it has had 
upon the monarchial spirit of the people. Just now, 
Welsh Radicals in particular, are supremely indiflfer- 
ent to the royal establishment. How different it 
might have been if the Queen and the Prince of 
Wales had shown them ordinary attention. For some 
reasons, they have thought fit to give their undi- 

192 



vided attention to England, Scotland and the* Conti- 
nent. We are not unmindful of the Queen's visit to 
North Wales in the summer of 1890. How much 
more genuine her reception would have been had she 
not been such a stranger to their fortunes. The 
Welsh, by force of circumstances,, have regarded 
Royalty as composed of demi-gods and goddesses 
hedged in from the gaping, vulgar crowd. In some 
countries, Royalty is much less isolated. It is inter- 
esting, in this connection, to read the following about 
the King and Queen of Italy, by Grace Greenwood : 
" To the Roman people the face of la regina, Mar- 
garita, now growing matronly, but still comely, is a 
sight as familiar as it is pleasant. She and the 
King are frequently seen driving about the streets in 
an open carriage, unpreceded by outriders, unpro- 
tected by guards — a plainly dressed pair sitting side 
by side — a royal Darby and Joan. Humbert usually 
holds the reins, and is kept very busy managing his 
spirited animals and doffing his hat to acknowledge 
the respectful salutes of strangers, and the occasional 
^cheers, hearty, but not noisy, of his people." If the 
Queen and royal famih^ were to cast aside their 
awful sense of power and prestige, and enter freely 
into the lives and fortunes of their people. Republi- 
canism would make little headway for many years to 
come. A London journal in recording one of Her 
Majesty's visits to the Venerable Duchess of Cam- 
bridge, says : " The most extravagant precautions 
were taken at Paddington, by orders sent from Wind- 
sor, to secure privacy for Her Majesty, and there was 
quite as thorough a clearance as there used to be in 

193 



the streets of Haodad when the Sultaifs duiiohter 
went to the bath. Every human being- on the arrival 
side of the station was peveniptorily ordered off, to 
the infinite ineonvenienee of the numerous persons 
who had gone to meet friends who were coming up 
bv tlie trains then due ; and when these trains arrived 
tlio pavSsengers who came by them were rushed awa) 
almost before the\' could obtain their luggage." 
" One stormy morning in 1885, all through passen- 
gers from Boulogne to Folkstone, found themselves 
forbidden to embark on the company's regular packet, 
a lame, now steamer, because it had been reserved 
for the Duke and Ouchess of Kdinburgh, who were 
about to cross. The poor travelers, having no choice, 
were obliged to put up with and put off in a little 
old steamer, which burst a cylinder soon after start- 
ing, and no help being at hand, drifted along the 
French coast all day and nearly all night. A large 
number of men, women and children, happily ordi- 
narv untitled people, were compelled to endure untold 
agonies because of anxiety and sea-sickness." 

And now comes the intelligence that the Duke 
and Duchess of York ha\e refused to accept the 
elaborate wedding gifts that their Welsh admirers had 
purchased in their honor. It was intended to have a 
presentation meeting commensurate with the high 
station of the happy pair and their auspicious mar- 
riage. This rebuff must have been a sad disappoint- 
ment to the enthusiastic donors. Just think of the 
delightful contact that has been missed, and the 
tlavoreti sj>eeches that have been doomed to oblivion. 

194 



" What, uli wlial can tlic icason lici* 
Tlicy promised to play lidilledcdmn 

Hut now its all fulilIcdtHli-i-." 

This auj^ust selfishness and nonsense are doinj^- 
more than all thinj^s else eonibined to nnderinine 
Kngland's throne. 

Unhappily, Wales has been the scene of several 
terrible mine explosions dnrinj^ the last four decades. 
A single catastrophe has been known to deprive the 
country of hundreds of noble and heroic bread win- 
ners. The instantaneous death of so many fathers, 
sons, brothers, and lovers has been the cause of wide- 
spread calamity. Those were times when all classes 
and conditions of people .sent their mites to swell the 
relief fund that endeavored to restore the sunshine 
and hope that had been so ruthlessly snatched from 
the once unbroken happ>' honu-. The Ouccu, who is 
reputed to be the wealthiest wonuin in Ivurope, mij^ht 
have seized her oj)portunity to send, not only profuse 
words of condolence, but a handsome cheque as well. 
Hut this has rarely been the case. Notwith.standinj; 
her sublime isolation, they manaj^c to retain for the 
Oneen personally profound respect. They are proud 
of her j^raud and virtuous (jualities, but for her as 
the representative of monarchic institutions the Welsh 
as a people have little or no sympathy. If they turned 
out in larj^e numbers to j^reet her durinj^ her recent 
visit it was because of this fact, and not because of 
an ardent attachment to the throne. They have out- 
j^rown the dortrine that " divinity doth hed<4e a 
king." They regard them as men and women of like 
passions with us, and are disposed to treat them 

195 



accordingly. They think that the doctrine that 
teaches that " the king can do no evil " has been 
rudely disturbed of late. When Rpyalty does a noble 
thing, they accord them the wannest praise, and when 
they succumb to the ills that flesh is heir to, their 
denunciation is swift and sometimes scathing. It is 
stated that in the reign of Charles I a mayor of Nor- 
wich acflually sent a fellow to prison for saying that 
the Prince of Wales was born without a shirt. But 
the world has advanced considerably since then. 
Believing that a royal establishment is not absolutely 
essential, they demand that the throne shall at least 
be dignified. 

Royalty has not looked with much favor on Welsh 
institutions either. Next to his chapel, the Welsh- 
man is greatly attached to the time-honored Eisteddfod 
— literary, bardic and musical congress. The irre- 
pressible Eisteddfod committee are always on the 
lookout for a list of brilliant patrons. If they suc- 
ceed in securing Her ]\Iajesty's gracious consent to be 
a patron, their breasts swell with pride ; but some- 
times their zeal outruns their discretion, and they 
endeavor to secure the presence of a real, live Prince^ 
and if by accident they succeed, their jubilant feel- 
ings know no bounds. This rarely occurs, however. 
The Queen, when a girl of seventeen, attended the 
Beaumaris Eisteddfod, and the Prince of Wales " ran 
over " to the London Eisteddfod for just one hour. 
On this occasion the Prince, who is a polished orator 
and possesses a fine presence, took time by the fore- 
lock. That was a remarkable hour. He told the 
Welsh, with the naivete of an artist, that whatever 

196 



€lse might be the attributes of the heir to the throne 
of the British Empire, his principal glory was that 
his title came from Wales. And he put some fire 
into his speech. The enthusiasm of the people knew 
no bounds. That settled it. All outstanding bills 
against Royalty were handsomely paid in that speech. 
Pressure of business demanded the royal presence 
elsewhere, and the Welsh Eisteddfod had to plod its 
way as well as it could with ordinary mortals. Since 
then the Prince has been approached to preside over 
the national gathering, but his Welsh fire must be 
flickering, because he has sent as substitutes profuse 
apologies. The Welsh like apologies, especially 
Toyal ones ; but then you get enough even of a good 
thing. The fa6l is, they are sick and tired of 
approaching their royal Prince, and it looks as if 
they are determined to be less ambitious in this direc- 
tion in the future. 

How different it would have been if the Prince, 
who is popular, had behaved himself, gone down to 
Wales — say once every three years, even if pressure 
■of business gave him but the solitary hour, and gave 
them one of his eloquent speeches. How quickly and 
ardently the Cymric heart would respond to his utter- 
ances, and what heaps o' confusion would be avoided. 

As for the other members of the royal family, there 
is only one of them that the Welsh have any real 
interest in : the ever-popular Princess of Wales. She 
is greatly beloved. Her remarkable beauty and 
otherwise excellent qualities disarm the bitterest 
-critics of Royalty. Her accomplishments and domes- 
tic tastes are always dilated upon with just pride. 

197 



When at the Sandriiigham Palace, she is the busiest 
of women. She is greatly interested in technical 
education. Her schools, in which carving and brass 
metal work are taught, are much appreciated. If she 
survives her husband, she will be entitled to draw an 
annuity of $150,000. 

Recently the Prince and Princess were called to 
mourn the sad death of their eldest son. Prince Albert 
Vidlor. For the time being Welshmen, true to their 
traditional instincfls of humanity and love, entered 
sympathetically into the grief of the royal family, and 
"wept with those that wept." It was that touch of 
nature that makes the whole world akin. 

This incident shows strikingly how, in a supreme 
moment, the conventionalities of the one side, and 
the wrongs, real and imaginary, on the other were 
forgotten, while they stood side by side in the grim 
presence of death to shed the mutual tear. The sym- 
pathy was as widespread as it was genuine. 

The Welsh people naturally object to the immense 
cost of the royal establishment. Before Bradlaugh 
and Labouchere broke upon the delightful spell of 
ignorance on the cost of royal households, everything 
went on smoothly ; but now there is considerable 
unrest. At present there is hardly an intelligent 
workingman that is not versed in royal salaries. 
When they think of the $385,000 paid annually to 
the Oueen ; the $175,461 paid the Prince, not inclu- 
ding his yearly traveling expenses, which must be a 
very large sum ; together with a host of other very 
high salaried princes, princesses, dukes and duchesses, 
etc., they draw a heavy breath, and sigh for repub- 
lican simplicity. 

1 98 



Teropefapce ip Wales. 



The Evolution of Total Abstinence in Wales — Moderation Societies — 
Tlic First Total Abstinence Society — The Prestige enjoyed by 
Taverns — The Temperance Tidal Wave — Welsh Temperance Leg- 
islation — Mow the Sunday Closing Act Works — Is Drinkitif^ on 
the Increase in Wales? — Local Option — Prohibition. 

The evolution of the total al)stiiience idea in 
Wales has partaken of the varied fortunes incident 
to every j^reat reform. The condition of things in 
the Princij)ality prior to the temperance awakening;, 
early in this century, was not flattering. The 
demoralization was ])articularly noticeable in connec- 
tion with fairs, niarria<^es and especially funerals. In 
the memoirs of Dr. Pritchard Llanji^ollcn, by Rev. 
O. Davies, you will fnid the following under the cap- 
tion, "History of Llangollen Church": "It was cus- 
tomary to take beer to the bouse of mourning by 
friends of the deceased, and some drank to excess. 
It was related at that time of a burial at Pennant, 
at which the person who usually ofiered the Lord's 
Prayer previous to the interment was too intoxicated 
to perform that sacred duty. A by-stander said : 
"This is too bad, good friends, let us dispense with 
the prayer. This was done, but sad to relate, the 
men were so intoxicated tjiat the bier fell to the 
ground three times ere they reached the cemetery." 
P'^orty years ago, a Radnorshire fimeral was consid- 
ered sadly incomi)lete without intoxicants. Prior to 

199 



the funeral obsequies, refreshments were usually 
served in the following order : The first waiter 
served hot and cold beer, the second waiter served 
cake, and the third supplied the company with wine. 
In some counties it was customary to attend to the 
funeral ceremonies first, and then hie to the tavern. 
Hence the ditty : 

*' Cleddwch y marw 
A dewch at y cwrw." 

The dead they buried, 
To the tavern they hurried. 

Contiguous with the Welsh parish churches of 
olden times was the tavern (saloon), which was con- 
sidered essential to their success. It was considered 
a waste of energy to endeavor to run a church with- 
out the inevitable tavern. They were in great de- 
mand during the perfonnance of church plays, which 
were very much in vogue when Wales was a Roman 
Catholic country. There were various kinds of 
church ales, such as Gift-ale, or as it was sometimes 
called. Give-ale, Bidd-ale, Clerk-ale, Whitsun-ale, 
Lamb-ale, Bride-ale, Leet-ale, Scott-ale, Midsummer- 
ale, Music-ale. 

The Gift-ale was usually provided by the parish 
for the exclusive use of the athletes and actors who 
took part in the public exercises, which consisted of 
jumping, racing, wrestling, acting, etc. In addition 
to the Gift-ale provided by the parish, there was 
always a reserve supply on hand that had been 
bought by means of bequests made from time to time 
towards this particular object. 



200 



The history of the Bidd-ale is as follows : In those 
times it was customary to allow indigent persons to 
make arrangements for public plays and games for 
their personal benefit. The host was expected to 
name the meeting place, and provide the beer needful 
for the occasion. 

The Clerk-ale was instituted with the object of 
swelling the exchequer of the parish clerk. The good 
old sexton had no hesitancy in attending personally 
to the arrangements connected with the benefit per- 
formance. He waited on the parishioners for gifts to 
ensure its success. Easter Sunday was generally 
known as the clerk's annual benefit day, when the 
usual plays and games were indulged in. In some 
places the sexton still goes among the parishioners 
to gather up the bell-sheaf (ysgub-y-gloch) in har- 
vest time. 

Whitsun-ale was donated especially for Whitsun 
Sunday, when the plays peculiar to this feast day 
were vigorously indulged in. Two young persons 
were selected as lord and lady of this feast. They 
also appointed, among other characters, for this occa- 
sion a musician and fool. 

The Bride-ale was sustained by happy benedicts. 
Every bridegroom was expected to contribute some- 
thing towards the church ales of the ensuing Sunday. 
The young people prepared a rope, beautifully deco- 
rated with flowers, which they used to prevent the 
happy couple passing the church porch until the 
bridegroom had contributed a sum of money deter- 
mined by his circumstances. Usually, it ranged from 
five shillings to ten pounds. This custom is still 



20I 



extant in some parts of South Wales, with some 
modifications. Today the chaining does not neces- 
sarily take place at the door of the church, and the 
sweet-scented flowers have been substituted by dirty 
grease. 

The Lamb-ale feast was held during Whitsun 
week, when divers ceremonies were engaged in. It 
was customary to put girls, with their hands tied 
behind, to catch the fat lamb by seizing its wool with 
their teeth. The girl who succeeded in performing 
this feat was honored with the title, Lady of the 
Lamb. She was further honored with the presidency 
of the feasting and merriment that followed. 

Leet-ale was connected with the old law courts 
that were at one time common in the Principality. 
They were known as Court-Leet. Stubbs, "Anatomic 
of Abuses," 1585, p. 95, says of these church ales in 
England : " Dronken Bacchus beares swaie, against 
Christmas and Easter, Whitsundaie, or some other 
tyme, the church-wardens of every parish, with the 
consent of the whole parish, provide half a score or 
twenty quarts of mault, whereof some they buy of the 
church stocke, and some is given them of the parish- 
ioners themselves, everyone conferring somewhat ac- 
cording to his abilitie ; which mault being made into 
very strong ale or bere, is sette to sale, either in the 
church or in some other place assigned to that pur- 
pose. Then when is set a broche, well is he that can 
gete the soonest to it, and spend the most at it. In 
this kind of practise they continue six weekes, a 
quarter of a year, yea, half a yeare, together." 

202 



The Scott-ale feast was conducted niucli in the 
same manner, with the exception that everybody 
contributed something towards its observance. 

The Midsummer-ale feast resembled the others. 

Music-ale was reserved for the exclusive use of the 
choir that furnished the music connected with this 
strange worship. * 

These protracted feasts must have been very de- 
moralizing to the people. It is only just to state 
that this wretched state of things exists no longer 
in Wales. Rev. R. Thomas, Ap Vychan, writes as 
follows of the state of affairs prior to the Temperance 
Reformation : " The alarming increase of drunken- 
ness made thinking people shudder. The frequent 
lapses of professing Christians through strong drink 
was a source of constant trouble to the churches of 
the various denominations. The poverty and misery 
incident to the drink habit moved philanthropists to 
pity ; they sincerely desired to stem the great evil. 
Moderation societies were formed in different parts of 
the Principality in the year 1832 and 1833. The 
pledge prohibited liquors, but allowed the use of beer 
and porter. Much good was achieveved, but from 
the nature of the case it failed to reclaim drunkards 
and eradicate the evil. The failure of Moderation 
societies led to the formation of total abstinence 
societies. The late Dr. John Thomas says in his 
interesting work on " The Temperance Reformation 
in Wales," that the honor of being the first Welsh 
total abstainer advocate belongs to Rev. Evan Davies 
(Eta Delta) a Congregational minister located at 

*Rev. W. Roberts' Antiquities, etc. 

203 



Llanercli-} -Medd, and it is generally believed that he 
was instnimental in forming the first total abstinence 
society in Wales. This society was formed at Llan- 
fechell, North Wales, November, 1835. It is also 
claimed that the first total abstinence association was 
formed in the village of Eirianell, Rhos, Lliignwy, 
North Wales. This society prohibited smoking also. 
Its founders were three brothers, Lewis, Richard and 
Owilym Morris. Its existence was brief. In the year 1835 
strenuous efforts were put forth to further the idea of 
total abstinence, which met with marked success. 
During the first five years the Refonnation spread 
very rapidly throughout North and South Wales. 
By the end of 1838, there were 300 abstaining min- 
isters and preachers in the six counties of North 
Wales. The members including those in the Welsh 
societies of Liverpool and Manchester numbered 100.- 
■000. At the big temperance gathering held at Carnar- 
von in 1837, the delegates resolved to send two of their 
number — Rev. R. P. Griffiths, Congregationalist, 
Pwllheli, and Rev. Owen Thomas, Calvinistic Meth- 
odist, Bangor, then a young man of twenty-four, 
able, and eloquent, as a deputation to South Wales. 
This remarkable tour which carved an epoch in the 
history of total abstinence in the Principality lasted 
from September 5th to November loth. This cam- 
paign was educational, and was remarkable for the 
ridicule, misinterpretation and ultimate triumphs 
that attended it. Here and there its humorous side 
greatly relieved the situation. During their visit to 
Pontypool, Mr Thomas was the guest of a tavern 
keeper, who was greatly interested in the novel move- 

204 



iiient. The genial host attended to the arrange- 
ments, even to details, for a temperance rally, not- 
withstanding his anomalous position. The following 
extract from a letter sent by Mr Thomas to his 
brother, Dr John Thomas, shows how the temperance 
movement was generally regarded in South Wales at 
that time : 

" Mr Griffiths was with me at Pontypool. He had 
gone that night to a place called the Varteg ; and I 
think it was at Pontypool, September i8th, that we 
had one of the most remarkable triumphs we had in 
all the town. A Baptist minister at Trosnant had 
come there to meet me, and he was with us indeed 
the following days, and was one of the best sup- 
porters we had in all the town. 

The Trosnant minister came to me before the meet- 
ing, and we had arranged for him to take the chair. 
The Baptist college was there as it is still, and mcst 
of the students, if not all, were in the meeting. . 
When I had commenced the meeting by reading and 
prayer, what did the Trosnant minister do but pro- 
pose the Rev. John Bowers, an old minister with us, 
to take the chair, some one seconded, and it was car- 
ried. The old man went to the pulpit, as the build- 
ing was so full, and delivered an eloquent and very 
powerful speech, but quite contrary to what would 
have been expected on such an occasion. He con- 
demned the principles which the deputation from the 
North came there to advocate as contrary to the hab- 
its of the only Divine person that had ever been on 
the earth, and to himself could not but wonder how 

205 



it was that great men, good and very godly men in 
the North were pleading for it. He understood that 
John Elias and Christmas Evans and Williams of 
Wern (the first time I think I ever heard the three 
names put together) were among them, and that they 
and other eminent men were present in the associa- 
tion that sent the deputation; the person that was 
there that evening was one of them, and some of the 
best men they had in South Wales had been infatu- 
ated, which to him was very remarkable. Still, said 
he, let us out of respect to the strange young man, 
and especially out of respect to the friends and 
brethren in the NortJi who have sent them, give him 
the best reception and the most attentive hearing ; 
and as far as we are able, let us keep our minds open 
to conviction, especially seeing that the thing appears 
so wonderfully strange and marvelous unto us. 
Having spoken in that manner for about twenty min- 
utes, I should think, and with true eloquence, he 
called on me to deliver the message. I went up to 
the pulpit (I had commenced in the table pew) and 
the whole audience, led l)y the students, gave me a 
warm reception. I was tempted to turn aside from 
the speech I had intended to deliver and proceed to 
answer the objections brought on by the chairman, 
Init I thought afterwards that I had better not, espe- 
cialh' in such a meeting, and seeing also that some 
of them would naturally come under notice in what 
I had already on my mind. In a little time after I 
had commenced to speak, I felt that the meeting was in 
my hand, and that the conviction was being wrought 
into the minds of the majority present, that I had 

206 



the truth on my side. Having spoken for about an 
hour and a half, I concluded amid extraordinary 
manifestations of approbation. Immediately after- 
wards the chairman arose, and to my astonishment, 
as well as to that of the whole meeting, said that he 
had been thoroughly converted by the arguments of 
the young man, and desired to recall the whole of 
his opening speech in .so far as it went against the 
principle which had been brought before them ; and 
not only that, but that he desired publicly before 
them all, to sign the pledge, and that he was resolved 
to do all in his power to get all, that he had any 
influence upon, to do the same. Very many others 
also took the pledge in like manner, though I do not 
remember their number. The movement gained 
from that on, and was fraught with blessed results." 

During 1 840-1 850 the movement was shorn of 
much of its strength. Many of its professed friends 
became cold and indifferent, others lapsed, and be- 
cause of a general lack of sympathy, the movement 
showed few signs of vitality. The stalwarts, how- 
ever, remained true to total abstinence. From the 
year 1850 to 1870, the spirit of the great Reforma- 
tion was revived. During these years many temper- 
ance conventions were held, which yielded splendid 
results in equipment for work. 

The principal temperance organizations in the 
Principality are the following : The Rcchabites, 
Sons of Temperance, Good Templars, lilue Ribbon 
Army, British Woman's Christian Temperance Union 
and Band of Hope. 

The Rechabite order was founded in 1837. It is a 
total abstinence mutual benefit order. In 1892 the 

207 



Movable Conference held its first meeting in Wales. 
From 1837 to icSjG its growth must have been tard\\ 
because its members numbered less than 350 in South 
Wales. In 1892 they numbered 1,200 adult mem- 
bers and 9,000 minors. 

The Good Templar order was introduced into 
Wales in 1871. At one time it had nearly 50,000 
menil)crs in Wales. The Welsh Grand Lodge was 
instituted at Cardiff in March, 1872. The English 
Grand Lodge was instituted at Newtown, Mont- 
gomeryshire, North Wales, in A\igust, 1874. This 
was formed in the interest of the English-speaking 
inhabitants of Wales. The English Grand Lodge 
numbers 4,858 members, and the Welsh Cirand Lodge 
2,184 members. Since this report 3,000 members 
have been added to their numbers, making the total 
10,042 members. 

The Blue Ribbon movement was started in Wales 
in 1 88 1. It is the outcome of Mr Murphy's remark- 
able visits to the Principality. The center of this 
excellent work is CardilT, the metropolis of Wales. 

The Bands of Hope were formed in Wales about 
the year 1858. 

Besides these societies, which are largely main- 
tained by Nonconformists, the Episcopalians have 
distinctive societies that are doing excellent work. 
In some instances they co-operate with Nonconform- 
ists ; the generality, however, work on their own 
particular lines. 

Lady Henr>- Somerset's recent visit to North Wales 
has been fraught with excellent results. She is said 
to have addressed 22,000 people during the progress 

208 



of her remarkable tour. She lias greatly roused the 
people on this great reform. 

It is an interesting fact that NorthWales has been the 
birth-place of more than one great temperance awaken- 
ing. The last two decades have witnessed a steady 
growth of temperance sentiment in the pulpit, senate, 
press and public schools. It is no longer customary 
to go from Bethel to Bar. At least, he who indulges 
in this, once too common, habit suffers in the estima- 
tion of the best people. 

At last the Church realizes that the total abstainer 
is her strongest and steadiest ally. In writing of his 
own denomination, Rev. Morris Morgan estimates 
that nine-tenths of Welsh Calvinistic Methodist min- 
isters are total abstainers. Perhaps the percentage is 
not quite as large in the other denominations. " I 
shall not say," says Mr Morgan, "that nineteen- 
twentieths of the students (theological) are abstain- 
ers. • There are about two at Brecon and some at 
Pontypool that are non-abstainers. All at Trevecca 
and Bala are supposed to be abstainers." The in- 
te^rest evinced by the ministers in this great reform is 
one of the most interesting and hopeful phases of 
Welsh temperance work. In by-gone days the min- 
ister who advocated total abstinence was commonly 
regarded as a harmless crank. The Welsh ministers 
of past Wales as a class failed to point out the 
enormity of this gigantic evil. 

The selfishness, cowardice, heartlessncss and cal- 
lousness of the traffic have been hidden by a flimsy 
veil of respectability. At last this veil has been re- 
moved. It used to be considered discourteous to 



209 



allow one's pastor to depart after a pastoral visit with- 
out offering him the customary social glass. The 
mischief that this well-meaning but pernicious cus- 
tom wrought will never be learned. It caused the 
downfall of some brilliant Welsh preachers. 

It seems that matters were much the same in Scot- 
land. The " National Baptist " relates the following 
incident : " An American clergyman visiting Scot- 
land carried a letter of introduction to an estimable 
lady of wealth, social position and piety. The lady 
greeted him cordially, and almost in the twinkling of 
an eyelid the servant was at hand with a waiter, on 
which were whiskey, water, sugar and lemons. The 
gentleman declined all refreshments, but in vain. At 
last, being pressed beyond strength, out of measure, 
and unable to summon the moral courage longer to 
refuse, he weakly mixed a glass of equally weak 
whiskey and water, which he was about to raise to 
his lips when the hostess checked him, saying : ' Will 
you not ask a blessing? ' " 

During the last two decades Welsh temperance re- 
formers have turned their attention more or less to 
politics. In 1881, the Welsh Sunday Closing Act be- 
came law. While it has not been a glittering success, 
much good has been accomplished. Persistent efforts 
have been put forth by the liquor men to repeal it, 
but thanks to the strong common sense of the people, 
who know a good thing when they see it, the agita- 
tion failed miserably. The Act, wnth all its defects, 
has contributed materially to the social and moral 
welfare of the Principality. 

At present (1893) the most prominent phase of 
temperance work in Wales is legislative. The Local 

210 



Option Bill has already passed its second reading — 
ayes i86, noes 179. With one exception the Welsh 
members voted aye. It will be interesting to note 
that the recent vote on local option in the Pennsyl- 
vania Legislatnre (1893) stood: ayes 68, noes 102, 
absent 24. Under the present Welsh system licenses 
are granted by the district magistrates. These magis- 
trates are appointed by the Lord Lieutenant of the 
county, and up to the present both classes have shown 
much indifference to temperance reform. Under 
local option this grievance will be speedily redressed. 

There are other features of temperance legislative 
work that are encouraging. The defeat of the 
Licensed Victuallers' Compensation Bill was a dis- 
tinct triumph. The sentiment in favor of prohibition 
is strong in Wales. It is confidently said by those 
competent to judge that if a vote were taken on pro- 
hibition as an issue, it would be overwhelmingly in 
favor of closed beershops. 

Rev. Morris Morgan, Secretary South Wales and 
Monmouthshire Temperance Association, published 
the following statistics collected in Glamorganshire 
by " trustworthy men, who have taken all reasonable 
care to work their respective localities systematically 
and thoroughly " : 

Question II. Are you in favor of prohibition of all licenses for the 
common sale of intoxicating liquors? 

VKS. NO. NEUTRAL. 

Cwmbwrla 324 59 47 

Mansellon 192 55 27 

Parish of Rhyng-»lwy-g!ydach 380 144 36 

Sketty 108 46 18 

Bedlinog 145 33 34 

C wmllynfell 54 4 12 

211 



YES. NO. NEUTRAL. 

Portion of Languicke 98 6 1 

Rhymney 901 278 92 

Pontardulais, Llanedi Parish 249 60 25 

Pontardvilais, Llandilo Talybont 395 104 46 

Pontlottyn 351 90 68 

Biichgrove iSi 44 24 

The answer to the question : Are you in favor of 
giving ratepayers the power of deciding by direct 
veto the number of licenses to be granted within 
their districts? was overwhehningly "Yes." Some 
Welsh districts enjoy a foretaste of prohibition 
already. There are thirty-four parishes in the 
county of Anglesea, North Wales, with a population 
of 8,419, without a single saloon. In Carnarvon- 
shire, North Wales, there are nineteen parishes, with 
a population of 5,167, without a single grogshop. 
T>'newydd, South Wales, has a population of 2,000. 
It has no saloon, no police station, no policemen. 
But the temperance question in Wales has positively 
discouraging features. Distasteful as the facts may 
be, every candid inquirer must admit that statistics, 
which we must admit are not infallible, prove drunk- 
enness to be on the increase in Whales. After making 
due allowance for increased population, a big foreign 
element and good times, the conviction forces itself 
upon us that this gigantic evil is more securely en. 
trenched in some parts of the Principality than ever. 

The " Pall IVIall Gazette " says in this connection : 
"From a Parliamentary document issued yesterday, it 
appears that the total number of persons committed 
through drink last year (1890) was 173,000, com- 
pared with 160,000 in 18S9. In England the in- 

212 



crease was 7 per cent ; in Wales it was nearly 14 per 
cent. For Sunday drinking 1,657 were committed 
in London, 556 in Liverpool, 382 in Manchester, and 
177 in Birmingham. In Tiverton, Louth and Ryde 
(Isle of Wight) not a single person was charged with 
violating the , Sunday closing law. In Glamorgan- 
shire, which includes Cardiff and Swansea, 843 were 
found guilty ; in Denbigh, 149 ; in Pembrokeshire, 
40, and 24 in Carmarthenshire. These figures show 
that drunkenness is on the increase in England and 
Wales, more especially the latter country." 

Superintendent of Police John Thomas, Neath, 
South Wales, kindly furnished me with the following 
facts bearing upon drunkenness in his division 
(Mid-Glamorgan), which has a population, according 
to the last census, of 78,804, with an area of 157,582 
acres : Persons proceeded against for being drunk 
and disorderly in 1891, 688; in 1892, 860. These 
persons were of all nationalities, principally Welsh. 

Lady Henry Somerset, the great temperance advo- 
cate, whose home is on the borders of the Princi- 
pality, takes a more encouraging view of the drink 
question in Wales. In reply to inquiries of mine a 
few years ago, she says : " I do not consider drunk- 
enness on the increase in Wales ; but, on the con- 
trary, crime is diminishing, and there is every 
evidence to show that drunkenness is on the de- 
crease." 

The following parliamentary figures give the license 
revenues from each county in Wales : 

213 



-„,.,,^^ „^^„ BEER AND 

SPIRITS. BEER. 

WINE. 



Anglesea $ 8,415 $ 105 

Breconshire 14,900 935 $'95 

Cardiganshire ... 9»585 200 30 

Carmarthenshire 27,620 i.MS 35 

Carnarvonshire 26,190 205 220 

Denbighshire 24,745 2,625 210 

Flintshire 19,700 i,545 125 

Glamorganshire 103,480 8,005 ^75 

Merionethshire 7,330 65 60 

Montgomeryshire 11 ,605 450 .... 

Pembrokeshire 18,115 3^5 '5 

Radnorshire 4,8 10 240 .... 

Cardiff Borough 29,530 1.450 180 

Swansea Borough 28,565 995 .... 

Wales enjoys the questionable distinction of having 
the only bishop that owns dram-shops. A recently 
issued Blue Book 'shows that 152 peers of the realm 
are owners of 1,539 liquor shops. Right Rev. 
Richard Lewis, D. D., Bishop of Llandaff, owns two 
of them. A bishop engaged in the liquor business ! 
Heaven save the mark ! One is at a loss to know 
what interest a bishop can have in owning such 
places. The saloon is not a factor in politics in 
Wales. jNIust we conclude that he owns them for the 
miserable rent they bring him ? 

During the progress of the beer case at the Rhyl 
county court before Sir Horatio Lloyd in 1892, it was 
brouq-ht to lisjht that the Church Conoress that met 
there had a refreshment bar all to themselves. The 
last Eisteddfod I attended during my sojourn in 
Wales, had the omnipresent bar contigious to it. 
These places are run for the money that is in them. 
They stand forth in striking contrast to the elevating 
objects of the national gathering. The Eisteddfod 
and liquor stand running shop under the sanction of 

214 



the same committee is ironical to a degree. In the 
last meeting of the Rhyl National Eisteddfod Com- 
mittee, the question of letting room for a refreshment 
bar in connection with the coming Eisteddfod was 
considered. When the ballot was taken, two lone 
mortals only were in favor of divorcing it from the 
Eisteddfod. Pity. It is safe to predict that in the 
near future Eisteddfod committees will not dare 
encourage these grog shops in order to ensure fat 
exchequers. The first Monday of every month is set 
apart for rest and recreation by miners in Wales. It 
is known as Mabon's Day, in honor of the well- 
known labor representative. This holiday is getting 
into bad repute. Mr Isaac Davies, Miners' Agent, 
said at Cardiff some time ago that "the day has almost 
become a disgrace to them as workmen in many 
places." The majority of these men, however, im- 
prove it for intellectual and domestic culture. The 
bartenders in Wales are mainly females, who range 
from girls in their teens to women decrepit with the 
weight of 60 years and more. I knew a respectable 
widow, a grandmother, and an esteemed church mem- 
ber, who accepted a position as barmaid, and did not 
lose caste because of it. A rough estimate would 
place the number of Welsh barmaids at seven to 
eight thousand. In England they number 80,000, 
and are paid on an average ten shillings a week. 
The women deal drink from early morn until dewy 
eve. All this time they are surrounded by an atmos- 
phere that is perfectly obnoxious. Taking all in all, 
the drink problem in Wales has reached serious pro- 
portions, and demands the maturest thought and best 
efforts of her leading men and women. 

215 



^tate apd p^ee Churches io Wales. 



An Invklious Distinction — State Religion Unpopular — Its Intolerance 
— Relative Strength of State and Free Churches — The Tithe Agi- 
tation — Anecdote — Peggy Lewis — Is Nonconformity Declining? 
— Free Church Statistics — Disestablishment and Disendowment — 
Nonconformists are slow to recognize the Establishment's Service 
to Wales. 

Ill religious Wales, the line is drawn sharply be- 
tween the Establisiiment and Nonconformity. 

The Churchman's meeting-house is known as the 
Church, while the Nonconformists place of worship 
is known by the more modest name of Chapel. So 
accustomed have they become to these distinctive 
names that a rigid churchman would almost deem it 
a sacrilege to use the name church to denote a chapel; 
and on the other hand the Nonconformist scrupu- 
lously refrains from using the name church for chapel. 
Until recently, a Nonconformist mijiister was not a 
Reverend in the eyes of the law, that sacred title be- 
ing reserved for Anglical clergymen. 

The Archbishop of Canterbury, however, made 
an exception of Mr Spurgeon. He invariably ad- 
dressed the famous preacher as " Rev." in spite of 
usage and the terrors of the law. 

Hyper-Orthodox clergymen guard this prefix with 
a jealous eye. It offends their consciences to learn 
that a preacher adonis his name with " Rev.'' 

216 



In consequence of a recent judgment of the cour^ 
on this matter, giving Nonconformists the legal right 
to adopt the famous prefix, the following appeared in 
a Plymouth newspaper : The Vicar of Little Peter- 
ick S. Issey Cornwall, has requested correspondents 
to address him in future as G. W. Manning. He 
adds : Correspondents who prefix to his name the 
now desecrated epithet of " Reverend ", will please 
not be offended if he rejects their letters. He gives 
as a reason for this strange action that the court has 
granted Nonconformist ministers the legal right to 
call themselves " Reverends ". These words savor 
strongly of medieval times. Fortunately, there are 
not many of his brethren that would endorse these 
foolish utterances. On public occasions the clergy 
toast is as follows: "To the clergy and ministers of all 
denominations." Ministers are only tolerated. They 
worship at present under the Toleration Act, and are 
regarded by the State Church as heretics and schis- 
matics. 

Unfortunately, there is little fraternity existing 
between "clergymen and ministers." 

The clergyman's visits to Nonconformist chapels 
are few and far between. Every ambitious clergy- 
man draws the line .severely between church and 
chapel. However, every now and again a stalwart 
arises among them who dares to go to the chapel and 
fraternize with the worshipers. In return, he is sure 
to become the butt ot much senseless persecution by 
the authorities. His chances for preferment are seri- 
ously damageVl, because of his interdenominational 
sympathies. The late gifted and fearless rector of 
Merthyr was a noted example. 

217 



Canon Howell, Wrecsam, one of her grandest men, 
said recently : " To be eminent as a Welsh preacher 
or writer was almost a sure and certain reason for 
being ignored by the Church." Some time in 1890, 
Dr Rowland Rogers, the brilliant organist of Bangor 
Cathedral, had the temerity to assist in a concert 
given at the Menai Bridge Presbyterian Chapel, 
which visit greatly disturbed his Dean and Chapter. 
He was asked to explain his strange conduct. As the 
investigations of Dean Lewis and his Chapter pro- 
ceeded matters became unpleasant to the organist, so 
unpleasant that he felt constrained to offer his resig- 
nation, which was finally accepted, notwithstanding 
the fact that he had served as cathedral organist to 
the satisfaction of all for twenty years. The small- 
ness of the whole transaction shows that the Estab- 
lished Church in Wales needs to be delivered from 
her friends. 

The " Church Times " strongly condemns such 
irregularity as that of Canons Palmer and Fleming, 
in attending the memorial services of Mr Spurgeon 
at the Tabernacle, London. The death of a dissenter, 
it affirms, does not alter the status of his sect. This 
spirit of intolerance has unfortunately found its way 
into the Nonconformists' Chapel, as well as the 
Churchman's Church. Sectarianism has been, and 
is, a positive hindrance to the political, social and 
religious advancement of Wales. 

Some instances of the intolerance of one denomi- 
nation towards another are very ridiculous. The 
following advertisement appeared in the Liverpool 
" Mercury " : " Wanted — A young man as clerk, 

218 



accustomed to keep accounts, and to the routine of 
office work, able to write correctly in English and 
Welsh ; must be intelligent and willing, a total 
abstainer, a non-smoker, and a Calvinistic Methodist. 
Salary about / 50. No one need apply whose ante- 
cedents will not bear strictest investigations." If 
this advertisement is genuine, it is ludicrous in the 
extreme. Mr O. M. Edwards, the eminent Oxford 
professor, who knows whereof he speaks, .says in this 
connection : " I believe that there are Methodists 
who would decline to read a newspaper article if 
they knew that the author was an Episcopalian, and 
that there are Congregationalists that would refuse to 
sing a hymn composed by Williams, Pantycelyn 
(Calvinistic Methodist)." 

In the year of grace, 1894, the trustees of a Calvin- 
istic Methodist Chapel at Hengoed, South Wales, 
refused to allow a clergyman of the Established 
Church to wear his surplice and use the Episcopalian 
burial service in the graveyard. This bigotry can 
unfortunately be found in all denominations alike. 
These illustrations show that both Episcopalians and 
Nonconformists need purge themselves of much 
arrant nonsense. State religion has been truly des- 
cribed as an exotic in the native soil of Wales. 

Mr Gee said lately in his " Banner " : " About the 
middle of last year I published the number of attend- 
ants in the churches and chapels of North Wales on 
January 9, 1887. In the six counties of the North 
the figures for all Established churches were as 
follows : Morning, 36,977 ; evening, 49,461 ; total, 
86,438. In Nonconformist chapels the following 

219 



numbers were present: Morning, 133,565; evening, 
183,513 ; total, 317,078. In the Church schools there 
were 25,083 ; in Nonconformist schools, 135,552. 
According to these figures, the Church contained but 
a fraction over one-fifth of the sum total. Herewith 
find facts that will show how the Church has met the 
nation's wants since the Protestant Reformation. 
The number of benefices in the four Welsh dioceses 
is 1,025, ^^^*^ ^^^^ number of churches and schools is 
223. These statistics were received from an eminent 
church authority. But to be absolutely certain that 
we err not, let us say that there are 1,300. If you 
will add the churches of Congregationalists, Baptists, 
Methodists and Wesleyans, they will give you a total 
of 4,000 " 

The Established Church is said to have one meet- 
ing house for every four miles of habitable country, 
while Nonconformity has one for less than every 
square mile and a half. That the Church of England 
in Wales has missed excellent opportunities for 
growth is apparent to all who are acquainted with the 
religious past of Wales. When ignorance and super- 
stition prevailed to an alarming extent, she failed to 
sound an alarm. People and Priesthood were alike 
debased and grossly indifferent to the religious needs 
of the people. In later times she has advanced 
greatly in Christian activities. To-day she is very 
much alive to her needs .and possibilities for good. 

The Welsh naturally object to the cost of the 
Establishment. The annual income of the four 
dioceses amounts to between two and three hundred 
thousand pounds, while the maintenance of cathe- 



220 



drals reaches between twenty-six and twenty-seven 
thousand pounds. People who build their own meet- 
ing houses, and support their own service, naturally 
object to sustain this costly Establishment. Many of 
them indignantly refuse to pay tithes towards the 
support of a glittering service that they have no 
affinity with. The Church tithes are often collected 
by force. These are times of constant irritation to 
the authorities. Sober crowds, with calm determina- 
tion planted on their visages, gather to greet the 
bailiff and his men. As the work of serving the 
distraints progresses, it generally becomes good- 
humored, and indulges in nothing worse than banter 
and a few rotten eggs. Sometimes, however, the 
strongly-barricaded house and the threatening atti- 
tude of an incensed people demand the presence of 
the police and military. 

The " Christian Commonwealth " tells the follow- 
ing interesting bailiff incident : "Not so very long 
ago in a certain district in North Wales, a prominent 
Nonconformist farmer was daily expecting the bail- 
iffs to turn up and seize some of his property, owing 
to his refusal to pay the tithes. At that period the 
Rev. Principal T. C. Edwards, D. D., Bala, happened 
to be on a walking tour in the district in company of 
two friends, who were rather cumbered with an extra 
supply of flesh. Feeling a rest necessary, they de- 
cided to turn into the nearest farm house, which 
proved to be the very place where the bailiffs were so 
anxiously awaited. Dr Edwards and friends found 
all the place under lock and key except one door 
leading to the house. The weary travelers entered 



221 



without much ceremony, but found no one in 
the room ; however, one of the company heard a 
voice aloft whispering, 'Master, master, they have 
come, and are in the kitchen , there's two of them 
there, and the parson is with them also.' With this 
the farmer stalwartly faced ^he visitors, but on rec- 
ognizing Dr Edwards he laughed heartily, and when 
the story had been related to the tourists, they joined 
heartily in the merriment." The story of Peggy 
Lewis, an aged lady, now the heroine of the Tithe 
struggle, is a strange mixture of the ludicrous and 
pathetic. Peggy was a poor widow, who lived in a 
miserable thatched cottage in the Welshiest of Welsh 
counties — Cardigan. The main support of herself 
and family was a cow and small garden. For years 
she had managed by her untiring perseverance to 
pay the much dreaded rent and taxes. Last year she 
stoutly refused to pay the usual tithe, and the stern 
hand of the law was laid upon her. Her cow was 
distrained and securely tied in the barn for further 
action. After the departure of the constable Peggy 
conterred upon her cow the freedom of her native 
mountains and hills. The officer was enraged, and 
summoned Peggy to appear before the district magis- 
trate to show cause why she defied the law ! True to 
the traditional heroism of her sturdy ancestry, she 
elected to go to prison. The eventful day of the 
trial arrived, and the sympathetic interest of the 
Principality turned instinctively to this lone widow 
in a court of law. No one appeared to testify against 
her, and the matter was quietly dropped. It was the 
triumph of right over might. Peggy goes on in the 

222 



even tenor of her way in the humble cottage, now 
jocularly referred to as the home of the Welsh Joan 
of Arc. 

In a Parliamentary paper issued recently, the follow- 
ing facts are given relative to the Tithe money lifted 
in Wales : 

Cardiganshire $ 96,300 

Breconshire 97,995 

Carmarthenshire 144,050 

Carnarvonshire 85,890 

Denbighshire 194,600 

Flintshire 1 17,935 

Radnorshire 74.240 

Meronethshire 47>335 

Anglesea 91 ,900 

Glamorganshire 138,010 

Monmouthshire 146,845 

Pembrokeshire 138,010 

Montgomeryshire 140,870 

Total $1,513,980 

It has been asserted that the Free churches are 
declining in Wales. It is a fact, however, that Non- 
conformity has steadily increased for over a century. 
In 1 7 16 there were no churches ; in 1775 the num- 
ber was 171 ; in 181 6 they numbered 993; in 1861 it 
was 2,927. The following figures, taken from Dr 
Rees' latest edition of History of Nonconformity in 
Wales, will speak for themselves : 

1861. 1882. 

Congregationalists 97.647 members. 1 18,377 members. 

Calvinistic Methodists 90,560 " "9.355 " 

Baptists 50,903 " 81,372 " 

Wesleyans 24,395 '• 32.146 " 

223 



The comparative ratio of increase is as follows : 

Baptists 48.21 per cent. 

Methodists 31-79 " " 

Wesleyans 31 -77 " " 

Congregationalists 23.55 " " 

The ratio of increase in population from 1861 to 
1881 was 22 per cent., while the increase in the num- 
ber of Nonconformist communicants was in the case 
of Baptists, for instance, 48.21 per cent. The follow- 
ing figures give an approximate idea of the strength 
of Nonconformity in 1893 : 

Meeting Houses 4,36 1 

Ministers i ,934 

Lay Preachers 2,469 

Members 361 ,406 

Sunday School Members 463,000 

These figures do not include Nonconformist adher- 
ents. 

A writer in a Welsh periodical gives the following 
figures as his estimate of the relative strength of 
Welsh Nonconformists. He says : " I have made 
careful inquiries, and have consulted the leading men 
of the different denominations as to the number of 
members and adherents." The following is the 
result : (The account is given in round numbers for 
the sake of brevity.) 

MEMBERS AND 

ADHERENTS. 

Calvinistic Methodists 280,000 

Congregationalists 280,000 

Baptists 200,000 

Wesleyans 80,000 

Roman Catholics, Unitarians, etc 60,000 

Nonconformists in belief who do not attend any place of 

worship 100,000 

224 



The late Dr John Thomas, Liverpool, stated shortly 
before his death that at least a million of the people 
of Wales and Monmouthshire, two-thirds of the 
inhabitants, are in association with Nonconformity 
in some way or other. 

The three denominations — Calvinistic Methodists, 
Congreg^ationalists and Baptists provide for 800,000 
of the Welsh population. 

Nonconformity is also worthily represented in the 
numerous English churches of the Principality. 
Welsh Nonconformity has become a considerable fac- 
tor in the religious life of the principal English 
cities. Mr Alfred Davies, Heath Hurst, Hampstead, 
a Welsh patriot, says (1893) that in London alone 
there are 40,000 Welsh people, and 17 Welsh Non- 
conformist chapels and three Welsh Episcopal 
churches to provide for their spiritual wants. In 
addition there are four Welsh-speaking missionaries 
working under the city mission, this branch having 
commenced its work four years ago. Liverpool 
boasts of many thousands Welsh Nonconformists. 
The following are the statistics of the Welsh Calvin- 
istic Methodists in Liverpool. 

Chapel and Missions 36 

Churches 24 

Ministers 22 

Elders 108 

Communicants 6,736 

School Statistics ... 

Officers and Teachers .834 

Scholars 6,619 

Collection (Church) ;^I4,232 7s o^d 

Chapel debts '4i794 '7 ^/4 

Average contribution from each member 13 g)4 

225 



The other denominations are also fittingly repre- 
sented in this city. Such towns ac Birmingham, Man- 
chester, Middlesboro, Sec, contain a large number of 
Welsh Nonconformists. 

The disestablishment agitation has proven the best 
thing possible to the State Church. The call to 
work has been sent along the line, and in many in- 
stances the spiritual life has been greatly quickened. 
The following facts speak eloquently of the awaken- 
ing : " For all departments of church work in Eng- 
land during 1893, the sum of ^5,401,982 was con- 
tributed, being nearly a quarter of a million more 
than that of the previous year. Of this sum Wales 
contributed ;^427,986; ^289,716 were paid for the 
maintenance of assistant clergy, ^30,000 more than 
in 1892. They raised ;^235,905 for foreign missions, 
;^i24,52i for home missions, and ;^5i7,4io for the 
support of the poor. Of late they have had a num- 
ber of accessions to their ministerial forces from the 
Nonconformists. These religious mugwumps are not 
credited by Nonconformists with the highest motives. 
A Wesleyan minister who recently joined the Episco- 
palians is credited with signalizing the event by 
preaching from the following words : "By faith Noah, 
being warned by God of things not seen as yet, moved 
with fear, prepared an ark to the saving of his 
house." 

When the Church of Wales is disestablished and 
disendowed, and the sepulchral tone of the average 
clergyman substituted by a thoughtful and impres- 
sioned ministry, a marked period will be carved in 
her usefulness. This is evidently the conviction of 

226 



some of her best men who are yearning for her sep- 
aration from the State. In a letter dated July 14, 
1883, the late Rev. John Griffith, rector of Merthyr, 
says : " I have been for years convinced that noth- 
ing but Disestablishment — separation of the Church 
from the State — can ever reform the Church in 
Wales. After a visit all over Ireland, or the greater 
part of it, in 1878, and contrasting what I saw then 
with what I knew from ocular demonstration the 
Church was in Ireland in 1858, I became at once a 
Disestablishmentarian. 

Suffice it to say, let scoffers laugh if they like, I 
do honestly believe Disestablishment will tend to the 
good of Wales — the spiritual good of Wales amongst 
all denominations. Also, I am bound to admit that 
the present state of things is very unsatisfactory, 
quite as much, if not more so, than it was in. Ireland, 
as to the property of the Church in Wales. Why 
should we who are the gentry, and our dependents, 

monopolize the whole of it It does seem 

to me a great injustice that two-tenths of the people 
should have all the' money for religious purposes, 
which, when it was given, was clearly intended for 
all the tenths. Then, if we were separated from the 
State, we should govern our own Church according to 
the first chapter of the Acts of the Apostles ; we 
should have ministers working among us who had 
other objects in view than good livings and good 
Church appointments. And once we had this, I 
prognosticate, whether you like it or not, as a Non- 
conformists, that the Welsh people would really be- 
come, to a very large degree, Welsh Church people. 

227 



For then the Church would become a real religion — 
a religion such as it is among you Nonconformists — 
a spiritual religion of neighbors and equals — not of 
the squire only, and all those which the squire chooses 
to patronize. 

Last of all, once more — the Church in Wales dbes 
not suit us because it has ceased to be a spiritual 
Church. It is a Ritualistic, a semi-Popish Church. 
It is too grand a Church — it is not a Church for 
neighbors and equals. It is a rich man's Church. 
The poor man has turned his back upon it a hundred 
years ago, and he maintains a Church of his own, at 
a cost of ;^400,ooo a year, if not more, besides hav- 
ing built more than i,ooo churches. It is a sin for 
any government to allow such things to continue." 

These are some of the earnest and bold words that 
this Welsh Savonarola uttered from time to time for 
the separation of his beloved Church from the State. 
Everybody who has given the question serious con- 
sideration will readily admit that these are words of 
soberness and truth. 

The Vicar of Poulton writes to the Liberation 
Society : " I beg to enclose a cheque for two 
guineas as a subscription to the Liberation Society, 
and hope to continue the same until a similar society 
is formed within the Church of England. I am per- 
fectly appalled at the crying abuses and anomalies 
existing within the Church, and not until Disestab- 
lishment comes will there be any real attempt made 
to remedy them. The bishops and dignitaries fatten 
on what they are pleased to call ' God's heritage,'" 

228 



while the majority of the working clergy have to live 
upon a starvation pittance. Only by servile begging 
■can they obtain any assistance ; while any of them 
who show any independence in expressing abuses are 
boycotted by their ' Fathers in God.' If I can at 
any time be of any service by speaking in favor of 
Disestablishment, I shall be glad to do so. Disestab- 
lishment would be an unspeakable blessing to the 
Church ; and for such a blessing I, for one, should be 
disposed to pay heavily through disendowment. You 
are welcome to make what use you like of this letter." 

So vital is the Disestablishment question in Wales 
that their members of Parliament are expected to be 
enthusiasts on the question. The new order of things 
in Wales has no room for men of uncertain sound. 
At times both parties lose their temper in discussing 
the question. A rousing Disestablishment meeting 
rarely proceeds far before the baser sort of both 
parties make themselves exceedingly obnoxious. 

Recently a lecture against Disestablishment was 
given by a vicar, at the clos^of which a vote was 
passed thanking him for amusing the audience, and 
demanding Disestablishment. Foolish motives are 
sometimes ascribed to the State Church by Libera- 
tionists. Statements are often made by the Libera- 
tionists that contain more fancy than fact. Rarely 
does one hear them refer to the service the Church 
has rendered Wales. It would be graceful to 
acknowledge the fact that the Established Church 
gave Wales the first Bible in the vernacular, and 
such gifted men as Bishop Morgans, Revs Jones, 
Llangan, Rowlands, Llangeitho, Howell, Harries, etc. 

229 



Churchmen are under the disadvantage of fighting 
for a lost cause, the question of Disestablishment 
seeming to have but one side. Free Churchism suits 
the genius of the Welsh people. They have always 
found the Free Churches ready allies of the masses 
against the classes. ISIacaulay has truly said : " They 
have suffered, bled and died for liberty and equality. 
They hated the tyrant, Henry VIII, and looked with 
suspicion upon his offspring." 



230 



Tbe Wel^b Pulpit. 



Religion in Wales — The Annual Preaching Meeting — The (jymanfa 
(Association Meetings) — Shout, Dear Brother, Shout — Welsh Fire 
— The Former Days and These — The Welsh Pew. 

Wales is pre-eminently the land of preachers and 
preaching. The religious life is the proudest chapter 
in her stirring history. Nearly everybody in the 
Principality is a chapel-goer. Saints and sinners alike 
evince a lively interest in the Chapel services. Those 
best acquainted with the Principality, state that the 
Nonconfoniiist Chapels provide for one million people, 
which is fully two-thirds of the entire population. Its 
influence on the language, customs, and habits of the 
people has been most wholesome. When the fire on the 
national altar was flickering, the Pulpit fanned it into 
a flame that grew more luminous as the years rolled 
by. Nowhere has their religion expressed itself more 
ardently than in Chapel extension work. Beautiful 
and serviceable houses of worship meet the eye in 
every direction. The most secluded country nooks 
boast of their chapels. Whatever truth may be in the 
insinuations, cast every now and then, at Welsh 
Chapel debts, the prospects are that they will soon be 
known in name only. Heroic efforts are being made 
by the various denominations to throw off this incu- 
bus. It is astonishing how much some o^hese con- 
gregations, the majority of the members of which are 

231 



poor, can in a single effort raise towards liquidating 
the debt on their beloved Chapel. In 1892, a Congre- 
gational chapel in North Wales, collected in one Sun- 
day $3,500. Another chapel of the same denomin- 
ation, located at Llanelly in Carmarthenshire, raised 
$2,250. The Press is continually recording instances 
of this kind. The Welsh devise frequent opportuni- 
ties of hearing their pulpit celebrities. Nearly every 
church holds the Cwrdd Blynyddol — annual preach- 
ing meeting, — when two or more strong preachers are 
secured for the occasion. This meeting has two ob- 
jects: The quickening of the spiritual life, and liqui- 
dation of the chapel debt. These services are greatly 
enjoyed. In order to become fully acquainted with 
Welsh religious fervor, it is absolutely essential to at- 
tend one of the annual Gymanfa's — associational meet- 
ings. Every denomination holds its Gymanfa. They 
are held in summer, and continue two or three days. 
The morning and afternoon sessions of the first day 
are usually devoted to business and the remaining 
time to preaching. It is something quite distinct 
from our American associational meeting. With us 
business is paramount. With the exception of the 
Annual Sermon, a casual address from a foreign mis- 
sionary who has just returned from his field of labor 
— and missionaries are not novelties as they used to be 
^ — a presentation of the claims of the Denominational 
Organ; and Education; it is business, business! Com- 
pared with the same meeting in Wales, our's is prosaic. 
As might be expected, the Gymanfa is a magnet 
exerting a|i influence for many miles around. The 
preparations are elaborate to the minutest detail. 

232 



Nowhere is the reverence of the people for reh'o^ion 
sliowu more conchisively than in tliis j)rei)aratory 
season. Ricli and poor alike deem it a pleasnrc, as 
well as dnty, to make their homes worthy of the aus- 
picious occasion, and of the thousands of expected 
<^uests. The Welsh are insatiable in their demand 
for sermons. Two and sometimes three sermons, are 
preached at every service. As many as eighteen or 
twenty sermons are preached at these gatherings; and 
•while they are all enjoyed, more or less, it is plain to 
be seen that the popular interest centers in the two or 
three delivered by as many ministerial Nestors, It is 
wonderful the amount of spiritual magnetism that 
gathers around one of these distinguished preachers. 
Once I heard I)r John Hall of New York say how he 
was deeply affected at one of these gatherings many 
years ago in North Wales. He said that he counted 
it a joy to know the late Rev Henry Rees of Liver- 
pool — Dr Kd wards of Bala, says that he was the greatest 
preacher Wales ever produced — whom he frequently 
met to his profit. On this particular occasion, Mr 
Rees was to preach. He had barely reached the desk 
ere tears flowed copiously down the cheeks of the vast 
assembly. Turning to his friend who was also his 
interpreter, he asked : "What does this demonstra- 
tion of feeling mean?" "Why," he added in a tone 
of surprise, " he has only given his text ! " His 
friend playfully replied: "They know they have 
got to weep, and have concluded to commence now." 
The recollection of his powerful sermons in the past 
together with his saintly character produced this 
grand tribute to sanctified worth. 

233 



It is with inspiration that I recall one of these 
gatherings. That year, the meetings were held in a 
a remote corner of staid Cardiganshire. The jonrney 
thither was partly by rail and partly by coach, 
throngh a very romantic country. The country, gen- 
erally, was in the pink of condition. The grand old 
Teivy never swelled more proudly as she meandered 
along through the most charming and varied scenery. 
Tall trees lined her banks, like so many proud senti- 
nels in gorgeous array, to give her the right of way. 
The farm houses were scrupulously clean and pretty. 
The browsing cattle, bleating sheep and the dulcet 
tones of the Welsh milkmaid left nothing to be desired 
to make the journey a constant inspiration. The 
preaching services were held, as usual, in the open 
air. The customary wooden structure for the 
preachers and others was large and airy. Close to 
this structure were seats specially provided for the 
choir, with additional accommodation for a few hun- 
dred people perhaps. My recollections of the last 
day's preaching are still vivid. The ten o'clock ser- 
vice on that day is the set time for bringing forward two 
of the best known preachers of the Association. Why 
this particular hour is selected is hard to luiderstand. 
If possible, no one misses this service. The gather- 
ing today has reached high water mark. They have 
come from a distance of twenty miles, more or less ; 
some in vehicles, others on horseback, while not a 
few have made the journey on foot. A hymn was 
sung .enthusiastically. The scriptures were read, and 
the prayer was offered by a ministerial veteran, who 
had performed this solemn service in the — Cwrdd 

234 



deg — ten o'clock meeting for many years past. It 
was a remarkable prayer, rugged perhaps, but withal 
reverent, pungent, and mighty in spirit. This plain 
brother's prayer had become a marked feature in the 
Gymanfa. The people looked for it, and were fairly 
roused by it. It was his last prayer for before the 
next year's meeting, ''he was not, for God took him." 
Another hymn was sung, and the people composed 
themselves for the sermons. The first sermon which 
was delivered by a distinguished preacher was 
thoughtful in composition and impassioned in 
delivery. It was evidently enjoyed by the vast audi- 
ence. After they sang another hymn the second 
preacher advanced to the desk. Anyone could see 
that he was a favorite. His subject was " Reign of 
Sin and Grace." The introductory part of the ser- 
mon was mainly expository. As he advanced, and 
became enthused to the great fact of Sin and Salva- 
tion, he fairly captivated the audience. Flight after 
flight of oratory was indulged in. The preacher's 
musical voice lingered in sweet cadences in the 
already fragrant air. Wlien he got in the Jizvyl the 
responses were as hearty as they were strong. His 
eloquence was at its highest point when he pictured 
the triumphs of Love over Sin. Thought succeeded 
thought, illumined by apt illustration, now a verse of 
poetry, then an apt scriptural quotation, and the whole 
climaxed with a triumphant shout, filled with spiritual 
certainty. As the preacher advanced, a drizzling rain 
was falling and during the delivery of the sermon it 
came faster and thicker, but the people stood seem- 
ingly unconscious of the inclemencies. Many of 

235 



them had umbrellas, but rarely was one opened ; 
there they stood, a solid phalanx, completely capti- 
vated by the story of the Cross, beautifully and 
eloquently presented by one of their distinguished 
preachers. 

"No dim Cathedrals fretted aisles were there; 
No gay pavilion fair with banners hung, 
The eloquent pleading voice, the deep hymns sung, 
The bright sun and the clear unfettered air." 

The plaintive spirit is sometimes strong in Wales. 
Some earnest people see signs of degeneracy in mod- 
ern Welsh preaching. The palmy days of John Elias, 
Christmas Evans, and Williams of Wern are referred 
to enthusiastically. Perhaps no preacher occupies 
such a large place in the Welsh aifection as these 
magnificent men, because they were in a large meas- 
ure, eyes, ears and tongue to the people. Since those 
times, the intellectual conditions of the Welsh life 
have greatly advanced. Taken all in all, the Welsh 
pulpit was never better manned than at present. It 
is safe to assert that there are princes in the present 
generation of Welsh preachers. If they occupied 
English pulpits, their fame would be international. 
As it is, they are seldom heard of outside the Princi- 
pality. 

There are some characteristics that are possibly 
peculiar to the Welsh pulpit. It is severely orthodox. 
It is more apologetical than polemical, and more did- 
actical than apologetical. Welsh ministers are preach- 
ers in the strictest sense of the term ; hence the strong 
evangelical tone of the preaching. He clinches his 
arguments with fitting scripture quotations. The 

236 



present generation of Welsh preachers excel their 
fathers in some respects, but for aptness in quoting- 
scripture, they will not compare with their sires for 
a moment. The Welsh preacher is much given to 
illustrations. One sometimes hears illustrations that 
offend good taste, but this is true of every pulpits 
The Welsh preacher is an excellent exegete. No one 
will deny that Dr Edwards of Bala, and Dr Roberts 
of Pontypridd, are excellent examples. Both men 
are scholarly and able expositors of the word. The 
Welsh pulpit iulfils literally the scriptural injunction; 
"Cry aloud, spare not, lift up thy voice like a trumpet." 
Perhaps I ought to qualify this. Some voices lifted 
up in the motherland don't sound a bit like a trump- 
et, but a good proportion never fail to remind you of 
its sonorous sound. The story goes that a venerable 
minister now deceased, attended a certain associ- 
ational meeting in Wales, years ago, and was kindly 
asked by the resident minister not to shout overmuch 
in preaching. As he warmed to his subject, he 
halted suddenly, and exclaimed in an earnest, beseech- 
ing tone, " Brother , the pastor of this church, 

has requested me not to shout, but my soul is aflame 
with the message of the Lord, and I must shout." 
" Shout, dear brother, shout," was the good-natured 
reply of the pastor. 

But the chief element in Welsh preaching is its 
intensity. The message comes, to say the least, from 
an enthusiastic heart. When the Englishman wishes 
to emphasize pulpit warmth, he calls it " Welsh fire." 
This is known in Wales under the poetical name 
" Hwyl," which means a sail inflated with the wafting 

237 



winds. The Welsh pulpit is nothing if it isn't breezy. 
There is no room in Wales for the preaching that is 

"Faultily, faultless, 
Icily, regular splendidly null." 

Dr Patterson, of Rochester, N. Y., says : " Better 
than any other men they [Welsh preachers] fill the 
definition of Eloquence, Logic and Fire." 

The Welsh style of delivery reminds one strongly 
of Dr Litchfield's famous lines : 

Begin low, 
Proceed slow ; 
Rise higher; 
Take fire; 

When most impressed 
• Be self possessed ; 
To spirit wed form 
Sit down in a storm. 

Welsh preaching is as courageous as it is earnest. 
Reading sermons is not popular in Wales. It exists 
by sufferance only. They can endure skeletons, but 
skeletons elaborately clothed upon is more than their 
mortal flesh can bear. The man who will say his 
say, and discard reading, will not fail to enjoy the 
gratitude of the people. There are some exceptions. 
Among the older ministers, the eloquent Dr Morgan 
Llanelly is a noted example. He writes fully and 
reads eloquently. The people hear the message from 
him gladly. The Welsh theological seminaries pay 
little or no attention to the delivery of a sermon. 
This is passing strange. Fortunately, Welshmen are 
largely blessed with natural utterance. The days of 
the objectionable nasal twang are numbered. The 
Welsh preacher is impressive in applying the truth. 

23S 



In this particular, Dr Owen Thomas, who died 
recently, was wonderfully effective. When addressing 
the Welsh Presbyterian Assembly at Aberystwith, 
in 1 89 1, on Welsh preaching, Dr T. C. Edwards, 
emphasized the need of aim in modern Welsh 
preaching. He referred to the late Rev Henry Rees, 
a model preacher, whose sole aim seemed to be to cor- 
ner his hearers, to force them to a condition of mind 
and, heart that would compel them to surrender. 

This reminds me of the following good story. "The 
late Robert Morris, the great financier of revolutionary 
times was once asked by Dr Rush : ' Well, Mr 
Morris, how did you like the sermon ? I have heard 
it highly extolled.' ' Why Doctor,' said he, ' I did 
not like it at all. Its too smooth and tame for me.' 
' Mr Morris,' replied the Doctor, ' What sort of a ser- 
mon do you like?" 'I like Sir,' replied Mr Morris, 
* that preaching which drives a man up into a corner 
of his pew, and makes him think the devil is after 
him." In George Elliot's Romola, the Barber Nello 
gives it as his opinion of the sermons of Savonarola, 
that they were a good while before they got to the 
moving point, and this fact was the reason why he, 
Nello, did not become a Piagnone or Convert. One 
questions whether Nello would fare any better were 
he listening to a Welsh Savonarola. The moving 
point in Welsh preaching is generally reserved for 
the close of the sermon. The most superficial men- 
tion of the Welsh Pulpit demands a brief notice of 
the Welsh Pew. The intelligence and enthusiasm of 
the Pew has proven a strong factor in the success of 
the Pulpit in Wales. 

239 



The Welsh Chapel-goer takes a lively interest in 
the substance and delivery of the sermon. He is 
passionately devoted to the faith once delivered nnto 
the saints. He has no sympathy to waste on new 
fancied ideas. Higher criticism is hardly ever heard 
of, much less advocated in religious Wales. The 
typical Welshman's keenest delight is to listen to a 
sermon by one of the great preachers. When he 
comes fairly under the spell of a powerful preacher, 
he is utterly oblivious to everything but the sermon. 
He does not hesitate to respond heartily. The "Amen," 
"Blessed be his name" and "Hallelujah" are some of 
the responses indulged in. The uninitiated can hardly 
conceive of the inspiration that these responses 
awaken in the worshippers. Sometimes the enthusi- 
asm rises to such a height that the preacher is com- 
pelled to halt in his preaching. 

It is said that when Rev D. Charles Davies (Senior) 
the famous Calvinistic Methodist divine, was once 
preaching, an enthusiastic hearer responded so heartily 
that he became embarrassed during the progress of 
the sermon. Mr Davies was of a philosophical turn of 
mind, and not noted for intoning his sennons, a 
form of delivery peculiar to the Welsh pulpit ; but 
notwithstanding this, he was a very earnest preacher. 
As he proceeded in his preaching, the responses grew 
in numbers and volume, but when patience had 
ceased to be a virtue, he halted and said kindly : "'If 
this dear brother does not cease responding, it will be 
impossible for me to proceed." For a time everything 
went on delightfully, but the fiery old saint could not 
contain himself, and he resumed his enthusiastic 

240 



responses with this imploring reminder: "If Mr 
Davis desires me to stop saying Amen, he must stop 
preaching." 

The modern Pew is more refined than the old. It 
is often keen, calculating and critical. In many 
instances, it has advanced beyond the good old cus- 
tom of voluntary responses ; but in nearly every case 
of this kind genuine fervor has been replaced by cere- 
moniousness. There are superfine religionists who 
affect to be shocked when they hear these heart 
volleys which help to storm the ramparts of sin who 
have no scruples in listening to a series of cold and 
formal responses in a ritualistic service. 



241 



Tbe ^Updaij School ii) Wale?. 



Peed My Lambs." 



Its Early Days — Sturdy Pioneers — The Sunday School and the Vernacu- 
lar — Graded Instruction — The Sunday School and Indoctrination — 
Illustration — The Social Side of Sunday School Work — What hath 
God Wrought ? 

One of the earliest and most efficient pioneers of 
technical and religious training in Wales was Rev. T. 
Gouge, a well-to-do English minister, who labored in 
the Principality for ten years. During these years he 
contributed handsomely himself and collected largely 
from wealthy individuals for Bible distribution. He 
found a true yoke-fellow in Rev. Stephen Hughes, 
one of the " ejected ministers " who resided in Swan- 
sea. They inaugurated their great work by strict 
attention to the secular education of the people. Mr 
Gouge succeeded in establishing about four hundred 
schools in the principal centres of Wales, where the 
pupils were taught English and Welsh. To facilitate 
their education, he published, in addition to the liter- 
ature alread}' in use, an edition of 8,000 Welsh 
Bibles, 1,000 of which he donated, and the 
remainder he sold at half price. Mr Gouge printed 
several other Welsh works. Some were reprints, 
some were translations, and some were his own com- 
positions. In due time, his schools became partly 
secular, and partly religious. This gigantic work, 

242 



undertaken at the age of sixty and in the face of 
cruel opposition, was remarkable for its vitality. 

The memory of Mr Gouge is blessed in Wales. 

In 1730 Rev. Griffith Jones Llanddowror, "the 
Morning Star of the Methodist Revival," established 
schools on the same lines as his predecessors, Revs 
Gouge and Hughes.' He received handsome financial 
and moral support for the work from Mrs Be van, a 
wealthy and consecrated Episcopalian lady. It is 
stated that during some thirty years, he was instru- 
mental in instrudling more than 50,000 persons how 
to read, the text book being the Bible. 

Having no organic existence, these schools dwin- 
dled away after the death of their noble projectors. 
An editorial in the " Star of Wales," July 9th, 1880, 
gives the following facts about pioneer Sunday 
Schools in the Principality : " In the Baptist Asso- 
ciations held in Wales between 1651 and 1655, the 
Sunday School idea received considerable attention. 
The churches were strongly urged to provide for the 
religious instruction of the young. Between 1700 
and 1760, the Sunday School was itinerary, owing to 
the scattered condition of the membership." It is 
stated that a Sabbath School was started at Crawlwrn, 
near Llanidloes, Montgomeryshire, seven years prior 
to Mr Raikes' schools in England. In 1768, a school 
was held at Llanfwrog, Anglesea, by John Thomas, 
Shon Go Mwrog, at his residence, the Anvil. In 
1783, a Sunday School was held at Pwllheli, Carnar- 
vonshire, by John Thomas, assisted by John Roberts 
Shon Lleyn the Bard. In 1785, Dr Charles, Bala, 
organized schools in two or three rural districts near 

243 



Bala, INIerionethshire. Strictly speaking, these were 
secular schools, which eventually led to the estab- 
lishment of schools for religious instruction in 
1789. 

The ''Sunday School World," England, says, in this 
connection : " The plan he, Mr Charles, thought of, 
was the establishment of circulating schools, movable 
from one place to another at the end of nine or 
twelve months, or sometimes more. Some of these 
pioneer teachers were taught by Mr Charles. The 
schools were commenced in 1785 ; and increasing 
supplied teachers for the Sunday Schools which were 
set on foot in 1789. The Sunday Schools increased 
very rapidly and soon spread over the whole countr\'." 

Mr Charles entered into this work with apostolic 
zeal. He spent time, talents, mone}' and strength 
freely for the intelledlual and spiritual advancement 
of his country-men, and received in return much cruel 
comment. Notwithstanding this, he planned and 
executed great things for Future Wales. He suc- 
ceeded in convincing the religious people of the 
Principality that this Sunday School work rightfully 
belonged to them. More than all others, this mag- 
nificent man outlived enough disbelief, misinterpre- 
tation and ridicule to kill a half dozen strong men, 
and saw his educational efforts develop into grand 
proportions. 

The most cursory view of this pioneer era of Sun- 
day School work in Wales would be incomplete with- 
out reference to the efforts of Rev. ^Morgan John 
Rhys, Hengoed, Monmouthshire, immortally allied to 
the Baptist history of two continents. He was 

244 



ordained to the ministry at Penygarn, Pontypool, in 
1787, where he labored nearly seven years. This 
excellent man did effecSlive work in Bible distri- 
bution, both in Great Britain and France. It is 
known that in 1787 he organized a Sabbath School at 
Hengoed, Monmouthshire, while some think that 
he engaged in the work earlier. He used his prolific 
pen to advocate Night and Sunday Schools. " My 
heart aches," he said, "when I think of the gloom of 
ignorance that has settled over the minds of a large 
number of our countrymen. As far as I am able, I 
have endeavored to dispel this darkness. I see it 
fleeing. Double your energies ; drive it out ; imprison 
it in the bottomless pit. In connection with the preach- 
ing of the gospel, the Welsh schools, week days and 
Sunday, have done very effedlive work during the last 
year. They have been instrumental in bringing 
whole families into the Kingdom. Who would not 
see them in every community, considering the 
immense good they accomplish ? They not only 
teach children to read, but keep them from Sabbath 
desecration. They give ministers themselves an oppor- 
tunity to inquire into the knowledge of God, teach 
them to hate evil, and pursue good." Mr Rhys 
died in America, abundant in labors and honors. 

The Sabbath School has done more than any other 
agency to perpetuate the Welsh language. The noted 
antiquarian, Nefydd, estimated that by means of Mr 
Gouge's system thousands of people were versed in the 
vernacular, while in Mr Jones' school 10,000 were edu- 
cated annually for forty years. But this is as nothing 
compared with the 300,000 that Mr Charles was drill- 

24.5 



ing in their native tongue, and this number was 
steadily increased as the years went by. 

The Welsh Sunday School has paid a good deal of 
attention, in its own way, to graded instruction. The 
Calvinistic Methodist connexion in particular, has 
encouraged the systematic study of the Scriptures by 
periodical examinations, at which times certificates are 
given those who show proficiency in their studies. 
There they have nothing that corresponds to Dr 
Harper's examination papers for those who study the 
International Lessons. Dr Harper's papers embrace 
studies from a most critical examination of the gospel 
of John and of the life of Christ to an elementary grade 
for those who are from ten to fifteen years of age. 
The following sensible words can be pondered over 
with profit by Welsh Sunday School workers in par- 
ticular : " The technical experience acquired in our 
best methods of pedagogy should be applied to Sun- 
day Schools ; some alliance of the Sunday School men 
and the public school men ; something, in short, that 
is normal, associated with what is religious." 

The adult scholars of the Welsh Sunday School 
are very much indoctrinated. The great truths of 
Christianity are thoroughly discussed, during the ses- 
sion and by catechetical instrudlion. " Dweyd 
Pwngc," catechetical teaching, used to hold sway 
two or three decades ago in the Sunday School. At 
that time, it would be diflficult to find a regular 
attendant who was not versed in Biblical knowledge. 
The decline of catechetical instrudlion has been fol- 
lowed by a notable decline in the Scriptural knowl- 
edge of the rising generation. This spirit of indoc- 

246 



trination sedms to be ingrafted into the very beings of 
adults in Wales. Doctrinal questions are discussed 
with intense interest, Sunday and week days alike. 
I remember traveling from Aberystwyth to Car- 
marthen. Behind me sat two men, ostensibly farmers 
returning from market. We had not gone far before 
their discussion drifted to the Divinity of Christ. 
Both men possessed more than average intelligence, 
and as the discussion advanced, their fellow passen- 
gers became greatly interested. After the arguments, 
pro and con, had been well-nigh exhausted, the advo- 
cate of Unitarianism clinched his arguments with an 
emphatic statement that Christ possessed ideal man- 
hood -J nothing less, nothing more. " Why, man," 
replied his opponent sarcastically, " I prefer the devil 
to you ;" and he paused dramatically. *' How can 
you say that?" was the rejoinder. "Why," replied 
Orthodox, " because the devil met Christ once, and 
reverently acknowledged His Divinity, saying : 'Ah, 
what have we to do with thee, thou Jesus of Nazar- 
eth ? Art thou come to destroy us ? I know thee, 
who thou art, the Holy One of God ;' but thou dost 
dare deny Him. Give me the devil." Everyone 
conceded that this time Orthodox had hit the nail on 
the head. 

This is by no means an exceptional illustration of 
the ease and facility with which these sons of toil dis- 
cuss abstruse questions, nor is this to be wondered at 
since they have been thoroughly indoctrinated in the 
Sabbath School from their childhood up. 

Recently much attention is given to the social side 
of Sunday School work. Mutual improvement and 

247 



kindred societies are bringing out this phase of work 
most satisfactorily. The Christian Endeavor move- 
ment, which has exercised such a widespread influ- 
ence among the religious youth of America, has 
already found its way into the Welsh Sunday School. 

God has wrought grandly. " A little one has be- 
come a thousand and a small one a strong nation." 
The number of Sunday School teachers reported in 
Wales in 1890 was 8,368, and scholars, 79,595. In 
England the teachers numbered 35,572, the scholars, 
357,910; in Scotland: 1,191 teachers, and 11,565 
scholars ; in Ireland : 131 teachers, and 1,293 scholars ; 
and in the Channel Islands : 77 teachers and 433 
scholars ; making a total of 45,339 teachers and 448,- 
796 scholars reported. The estimates show that 3,000 
teachers and 35,000 scholars should be added to these, 
making a total of 48,339 teachers and 483,796 scholars. 

The influence of this excellent institution, on the 
Principality, cannot be measured. " In visiting 
Wales," said Rev. John Hall, New York, " I found 
the countn.' pre-eminent in its attention to Sabbath 
Schools. All the people, old and young, go to the 
school, stay in it, study the Bible in it, die in it, 
and eo to Heaven from it." 



Drs Edward Williams, Oswestry, and George Lewis, Llanuwchlyn, 
North Wales were among the early pioneers of Sunday Schools in 
Wales. Rev. D. Jones, Kentucky, claims that some of their 
schools were organized earlier than those of Mr Charles. The 
Congregationalists had schools at Neath and Tyrddwncyn, Glam- 
organshire, as early as 1697. 



248 



patber I^oatiiis ai)d tbe Welsb. 

His Ancestry — His Patriotism — The Abbot at the Eisteddfod — Llan- 
thoney Abbey — Monasticism in Wales — The Ancient Welsh 
Church. 

Father Ignatius gives the following account of 
himself: " My father, Francis Lyne, was a member 
of an old Welsh family settled in Cornwall. My 
mother, Louisa Genevive Leycester, was of a very old 
Cheshire family. Tabley House is the ancient roof- 
tree of the lycycesters, and the present Lord de 
Tabley is the chief representative of the family. 
Colonel Lyne, of Newport, is only a third cousin of 
mine." 

Father Ignatius boasts of his Welsh ancestry, and 
seizes every opportunity to make it known. He is 
an ardent admirer of the customs and institutions of 
Wales. The following words from a sermon delivered 
to the Welsh in New York during his recent visit 
(1892) to America show him to be an ultra Welsh 
patriot : "In the very times of the apostles them- 
selves is found a record in the menology of the Greek 
Church of their ordaining Aristabulus (Arwyste) as 

Bishop for the Church in ancient Britain 

The Welsh tongue is far older than the Saxon or any 
other. Though English histories would lead one to 
believe the Druids to be a set of harsh and cruel 
men, it was the ancient Druids of the Cymry, as the 

249 



Triads of the Welsh proclaim, that prepared the way 
for the Gospel of Christ, and by their sign for God 
taught the doctrine of three in one. In England, 
the Queen is thoroughly Welsh, for she sits on the 
throne of the British Empire as the descendant of 
Owen Tudor. Though century after century had 
tried to blot the Welsh out of existence, and to perse- 
cute even their very language, yet there were Cymry 
who still spoke the tongue of their heroes, their 
Druids and their bards, their martyrs and their 
saints, whose names will cling to many a hamlet, 
many a vale, as Merthyr Tydvil, Dewi Brefi, Llan- 
gollen and St Asaph. It was their own Apostle 
David who withstood the heretic, Pelagius, midst 
their queenly monuments in the early century. 
Wales was indeed a country to be proud of, — dear 
little Wales, who had suffered so much at the hands 
of her neighbors, or Lloegr. In her the light of the 
Gospel had never gone out. To the Welsh Calvin- 
istic Methodists, under the saintly Charles of Bala, 
and noble Rowlands of Llangeitho, and Howel Harris 
of Trevecca, we owe the revival of a spiritual religion 
among the ancient people of Cymr}^ The Cymry 
always were a religious people. Let them always 
remain so, and let the thought of their Fatherland 
and their great ancestry stir them up to prove to their 
neighbors their love, first, for their God and His 
honor and glory, and then for the land of their 
fathers. So let that land, so richly named, ' Mor o 
gan yu Cymry i gyd,' or earth be but a preparation 
and sweet foretaste of the mor o gan (sea of song) in 
the New Jerusalem when life's voyage here is o'er.'* 

250 



Many Welshmen will take exception to some things 
in this address. It is an excellent specimen, however, 
of a type of patriotism that one frequently meets among 
the Welsh literati. The noted priest is always a con- 
spicuous figure on the platform of the National Eistedd- 
fod, His speeches, on these occasions, are interesting 
and warmly welcomed. His fine presence, varied cul- 
ture,and winsome eloquence never fail to stir the Welsh 
heart to its depths. At the Brecon Eisteddfod in 
1890, he was given the Bardic name of Dewi Honddu, 
a name directly associated with the scenes and mem- 
ories of his life work. Were it not for his monas- 
ticism this gifted man would prove an excellent 
force in determining the political, social and religious 
future of the Principality. Never in her history 
did Wales stand in greater need of strong men to 
direct the sentiment that is lying in a measure loose, 
as the result of the present National awakening. As 
a patriot, the eloquent priest and the Welsh very fit- 
tingly occupy the same platform, but when he urges 
the claims of Monasticism upon them, they part com- 
pany. The love of light and liberty are too strong 
in the Welsh character to listen with any degree of 
complacency to such antiquated teaching. Their 
motto to-day is Onward ! Upward ; and there is no 
good reason why they ahould be asked to go back to 
the barbaric gloom of medieval times. Whatever in- 
fluence Monasticism has exerted on Wales in the 
earlier centuries of her history (and it must be admit- 
ted that it was considerable) she has practically dis- 
carded it for ever. The Protestantism of present 
Wales is too sturdy to be disturbed even by the im- 



251 



passioned eloquence of the popular Abbot. However, 
when he visits the people in the capacity of Missioner, 
his simple, lucid and earnest presentation of the 
Gospel commands a devout hearing. The storj- of the 
inner life of the Monastery as told by the Abbot is as 
follows : "At 2 A. M. Matins are said, and at 3 o'clock 
the service begins. We then make several commem- 
orations by reciting for each an Anthem, verse and 
collect viz: for the Holy Cross, the Blessed Virgin, 
the Apostles, St. Benedict and our patron (St. David) 
the saint of the day and for peace. We conclude by 
a devotion to the Blessed Sacrament. At five, early 
mass is said, and if no mass is said, a requiem for the 
dead." The above is only a part of the days exer- 
cises. The other side of this life, as told by Sister 
Mary Agnes, O. S. B., in a volume entitled Nunnery 
L/ife in the Church of England, or Seventeen Years 
with Father Ignatius, by Rev. W. Lancelot Holland, 
M. A., edited and published by Hodder and Stough- 
ton, London, presents a grim contrast to the Abbot's 
account of it. The story of jealousy, intrigue, am- 
bition and despotism, as told by Sister Agnes in this 
work is painful reading. How far either side is cor- 
rect, must be left to the judgement of the reader. 
That the vow is despotic is evident from the following 
words of the Superior : "The nun is always sure of 
doing God's will ; because her Superior's voice is 
God's voice to her ; and even should I, your superior 
tell you to tell a lie (which of course I should not) 
you would be committing a sin of disobedience if you 
do not do as you are told." Happily Llanthoney Ab- 
bey exerts little or no influence on the religious life 

252 



of the Principality. Situated as it is in a secluded 
part of Monmouthshire, where the Welsh language is 
seldom spoken, the Welsh know it only in name. 
IMariolatry, the Confessional and Prayers for the dead 
may sometime find congenial spirits in the Estab- 
lished Church, but in the Nonconformist Chapel, 
never. 

As Father Ignatius claims to represent the ancient 
British Church, it will be of interest to inquire briefly 
into its origin and practices. It is commonly be- 
lieved that Christianity was introduced into Britain 
early in the second century. It is not known who 
were its earliest pioneers. Tradition affirms that the 
honor belongs to Joseph of Arimathea. He is the 
reputed founder of the Monastery of Glastonbury. 
Tradition also says that the distinction belongs to 
Paul. Several eminent church historians support this 
view. The best writers favor the belief that the British 
Church had an eastern orgin. The proofs advanced 
in favor of this belief are, its liturgy, polity, Jewish 
computation of Easter, the form of tonsure and the 
mode of baptism. It is a well accredited fact that 
there were British bishops present at the Councils of 
Aries, A. D. 314 and Nice, A. D. 325. 

In government, the British Church was thoroughly 
independent. They elected their own bishops through 
the priests of the various dioceses. They ordained 
their own priests. Their form of service was distinct 
from that of the Roman Catholic X^hurch. They 
contended vigorously for the local character of their 
church. Until the arrival of Augustine with his forty 
priests, during the reign of Ethelbert of Kent, in the 

253 



year 597 the British Church was under little, if any, 
Roman influence. Bertha, the wife of King Ethelbert 
was already a Christian, and used her great influence 
to further the propoganda. 

The King met the missionaries at the Isle of 
Thanet, and gave them the use of St Martin's Church 
in Canterbury. It was not long before Ethelbert 
was converted to Romanism. His conversion had a 
wonderful influence on his subjects. It is stated that 
as many as 10,000 converts were immersed during 
this awakening. These converts were largely secured 
through the example set by the King. The report 
of the revival in Britain greatly encouraged Pope 
Gregory to send more priests into the Island. The 
new missionaries reached Britain A. D. 601, and 
shortly afterwards Justus was made Bishop of Roches- 
ter and Melitus Bishop of London. 

Augustine and his coadjutors soon made it plain 
that they were more interested in churchianity than 
Christianity. After his elevation to the Arcbhishop- 
ric, he convened a council of bishops of both churches 
to discuss the question of union. The delibera- 
tions of that conference brought out one fact very 
plainly, viz : that there was no real basis for union. 
His propositions to the British bishops were : 

1. That they discard the eastern computation of 
Easter in favor of the western. 

2. That they administer the rite of baptism ac- 
cording to the teaching of Rome. 

3. That they submit to the Catholic form of ton- 
sure. They flatly refused to concede to his proposi- 
tions, and denied his right to the Archbishopric. 

254 



What Augustine failed to accomplish was achieved 
by his successors in the work, Theodore of Tarsis 
arch-bishop of Canterbury, and Wilfred, of York. 
By the end of the eighth century, Romanism had 
triumphed in Britain. Notwithstanding this unfa- 
vorable turn in the fortunes of the British Church, 
she continued to exercise the right to elect her own 
bishops up to the ninth century. 

The advent of the Normans in the Island destroyed 
almost the last vestige of the ancient Church's inde- 
pendence. The Culdees, who inhabited lona, were a 
branch of the British Church. The British Church 
boasted of a long list of saints. Some of these dig- 
nitaries honored the sacred title in the breach. They 
were all either of aristocratic or princely origin. For 
instance, St David, the patron saint of Wales, was 
said to have been a lineal descendant of the Virgin 
Mary's sister. Many of these saints were believed to 
have had miraculous birth. They were also credited 
with miraculous powers. The miracles attributed to 
them are legion. The most noted among them were 
the heretics Pelagius and Celestius, David (Dewi) and 
Patrick. 

Pelagius " believed in the Father and the Spirit, 
but not in the Son." He repudiated the Latin teach- 
ing of original sin, and claimed that a man could 
work out his own salvation, and by his unaided per- 
sonal powers could attain to a state of absolute per- 
fection. These teachings precipitated the inevitable 
conflict between the Celtic and Roman churches. Af- 
ter a fierce struggle the Latins triumphed. 

255 



The Bangorau, early British churches, preceded 
the Monasteries. They resembled the theological 
schools of to-day. At one time they were, very pros- 
perous. The Principality contained a number of 
these ancient seats of worship and learning. A large 
number of churches in Wales bear the names of such 
patron saints as Mary, Michael and David. 

Monasticism prevailed in the early British Church. 
Giraldus mentions in his description of Wales about 
the plurality of priests in a single benefice. These 
priests were governed by an abbot, who was the ac- 
credited head of the diocese, and to whom was en- 
trusted the business and missionary transactions con- 
nected with the work. Grants of property for religious 
purposes were commonly made by kings or chiefs, as 
the case might be, to the abbot, and in return he and 
his monks were to minister to the spiritual needs of 
the chief and his clans. In case the property ceased 
to be used for religious purposes, it reverted to its 
original owner. 

Monasticism had a long existence in Wales. In 
1 291, Pope Nicholas divided the revenue of Cor- 
wen Church, North Wales, among five priests. As 
time went on, special feast days were set apart in 
honor of her eminent saints. These days were relig- 
iously observed. On their anniversary it was cus- 
tomary to rehearse the life of the departed saint, spe- 
cial emphasis being placed on his miraculous achieve- 
ments. The first of March, the feast day set apart 
in honor of St David, is still observed socially by 
the Welsh in the motherland and abroad. Its relig- 
ious phase is seldom emphasized now-a-days.. 

256 



This ancient and interesting Cluircli was by no 
means perfect ; its priests in many instances were 
.gnilty of the most flagrant vices ; bnt taken all in 
all, its contribntion to western civilization was mag- 
nificent. Snch men as Pelagius, Celestius, David 
and Patrick would shed great lustre on any age. 
Their breadth of view and sympathies were remark- 
able. David and Patrick in particular were truly 
apostolic in spirit and life. They possessed the cour- 
age of their convictions, and rendered service for all 
time. The impress of their aggressive and non-com- 
promising spirits is still felt in the Protestantism of 
to-day. They rose above the vices of their times, and 
went forth panoplied in strength, fearing God, and 
knowing no other fear. 



257 



RoiDaoi^n) in Wales. 



Wales' conversion to Catholicism — Back to Protestantism — Plans laid 
to bring her back to the Romish Fold — Traces of Roman Catholic 
Wales — Religious Supe'rstition — The Welsh Decoration Day — 
Thronged Cemeteries — Empty Churches — St. David's Day — Other 
Feast Days. 

It would be difficult to find a country that has fur- 
nished more striking illustrations of widespread relig- 
ious movements than Wales. 

Commencing with Druidism, she advanced to Chris- 
tianity, made a radical change to the Roman Catholic 
phase of it, and finally made an equally radical 
change to Protestantism. These changes were as 
thorough as they were wide-spread, which facts go 
far to prove that the Welsh do nothing bv halves. 
From the seventh century until the Reformation, 
Wales was practically a Roman Catholic country. 
Durine the eis^ht and ninth centuries she was abso- 
lutely under the control of Catholicism. The stor>' 
of her conversion to the Roman Catholic faith is 
replete with interest and pathos. 

For seven centuries she withstood the encroach- 
ments of Rome, with a spirit worthy of the faith once 
delivered unto the saints. Rome, on the other hand 
was very determined. She spent centuries of effort 
and patience in order to achieve her end. The change 
was brousfht about gradually. 



'to' 



258 



It is maintained that the first evidence of the ab- 
sorption of the British Church by Rome was the 
abdication of King Cadwallader to enable him to 
make a pilgrimage to the Eternal City, where, it is 
said, he died, A. D. 688. 

About A. D. 755 some of the Britons abandoned 
the Jewish computation of Easter in favor of Rome's. 
In the same year, Elbodius was made Archbishop of 
Bangor by the Pope. He was instrumental in getting 
the North Wales people to adopt the Roman compu- 
tation of Easter. The South Wales Kymry held out 
stubbornly against this change until A. D. 777. 
They fought as vigorously for their religious beliefs 
as they did for country. After the absorption of 
North Wales, the only thing the SouUi Wales people 
could reasonably hope for was to prolong the struggle. 
That they were willing and anxious to do this is evi- 
dent from the tenacity with which they clung to their 
distinctive beliefs. 

The year 871 witnessed the complete conquest of 
the British Church by Rome. In that year Arch- 
bishop Ethelred appointed Hubert the Saxon to the 
bishopric of Monmouthshire, and Cyfeiliog to that of 
IJandafif. 

In the tenth century, Prince Howell the Good, in 
company with a number of priests, made a journey 
to Rome to secure the Pope's ratification of his cele- 
brated laws. The devotion of the Welsh to the faith 
and practices of the new religion was, on the whole, 
remarkable. However they refused to comply with 
the new doctrine of celibacy. As late as A, D. 1070, 
the Archbishop of St. David, who reared a family, 



259 



firmly protested against the innovation. They showed 
their loyalty by giving freely of their possessions 
towards the maintenance of the monasteries. Possi- 
bly, an exception must be made of the poets of Wales. 
While much of the poetry of Roman Catholic times 
was colored by the new religion, the poets as a class 
set their faces against monasticism. The differences 
that divided the poets and monks were constitutional. 
The poet loved liberty ; he sang, suffered, and was 
willing to die for her. The monks taught that seclu- 
sion was man's highest ideal. Enough. Both classes 
deemed it their duty to wage incessant war against 
one another. The poet was never so happy as when 
he was lampooning the sober monk, and the monk 
felt greatly at ease after he had delivered himself 
against the levity and godlessness of the poet. 

With this exception, the attachment of the Welsh 
to the Catholic faith was ardent. The condition of 
the country during these centuries of Catholicism was 
not flattering. The tendency of the church plays and 
feast da)s was very demoralizing. Nearly all the 
year round the people were kept in a constant state 
of unnatural excitement, until religion became a 
travesty on good sense, manners and virtue. The 
demoralization spread until the entire nation was 
enveloped in moral darkness. 

It is only fair to state that the Catholicism of those 
days was by no means a fair representation of the 
catholic religion of today. 

The Reformation brought about another wide- 
spread religious movement that was destined to 
achieve grander results than any of the awakenings 

260 



that preceded it. In this departure, Wales repudi- 
ated the Catholic faith very emphatically. Today 
y(ni will look in vain for a distinctively Welsh Roman 
Catholic Church. The Carnarvonshire, North Wales, 
Catholic Church, holds an occasional Welsh service. 
There are Welshmen that have joined their com- 
munion from time to time, but scarcely a convert 
comes from the Nonconformist ranks. 

In 1846 the number of Catholic Churches in Wales 
was nine, with ten priests, three of whom were Welsh- 
men. In 1885, they claimed seventy-seven churches, 
seventy-seven ministers and 54,244 communicants. 
In 1893, she had in Wales and Monmouthshire eighty- 
six churches. At present there are but two or three 
Welsh Catholic priests. Her communicants consist 
of foreigners, mainly Irish. 

Wales is attracting the attention of Rome again. 
The Pontiff is anxious to do some missionary work 
in the Principality. He seems determined to make 
a strong and systematic effort to bring the Kymric 
wanderers back to the fold. Time alone will reveal 
the outcome of this novel effort. The question was 
seriously discussed in their recent (1892) conference 
in Liverpool. In a paper read by Rev. Edward 
Williams, a Welsh priest, the following plan of work 
was suggested : 

First. Preaching in the open air in the vernacular. 

Second. That Welsh services be held in public 
halls for the benefit of those people who will not 
entef the sacred churches. 

Third. Tract distribution from house to house. 

Fourth. The establishment of a college or high 

261 



school for the purpose of training Catholic mission- 
aries to labor among the Welsh masses. 

Fifth. The establishment of a missionary society, 
whose chief aim shall be the return of the Welsh 
nation to the faith. 

They (Catholics) have in the press a Welsh hymn 
and tune book. It has seventeen hymns translated 
from the Latin, five from the English, and original 
Welsh hymns specially composed for this book. 

If this propaganda is put into effect, the Catholic 
faith will doubtless gain some Welsh adherents. The 
peculiar aptitude of the Catholics to proselytize, and 
the ardent Welsh temperament, make the conditions 
of a degree of success possible. What has been done, 
may be fairly attempted again, with a reasonable 
expectation of siiccess. In the meanwhile, the Prot- 
estants will seriously and earnestly contend for the 
faith once delivered unto the saints. There are 
strong traces even to-day of the Roman Catholic 
religion in Wales. The fastnesses of Wales contain 
a good deal of religious superstition. Prominent 
among other Romish legacies to the Welsh is Palm 
Sunday, known in common parlance as " Flowering 
Sunday." It has its origin in the notable " Feast of 
the Ass," a popular Romish festival designed to com- 
memorate the triumphant entry of our Saviour into 
Jerusalem on an ass, when the people strewed the way 
with palms. 

It is natural, beautiful and virtuous to show respect 
to the departed, by taking decent care of their resting 
places ; but to pervert good sense and judgment in 
the discharge of the duty, cannot be too strongly con- 

262 



demned. During the last two decades, this custom 
has grown to alarming proportions in the counties ot 
Glamorganshire and Monmouthshire. It is not un- 
usual for poor people to vie with one another in 
costly extravagance for grave decorations. Those 
who have no particular scruples on the question oi 
Sabbath observance decorate the graves Sunday 
morning ; as a matter of course, the work has to be 
completed before the afternoon, for then the people 
turn out, wind and weather permitting, to visit the 
cemetery, and pass judgment on the decorations. In 
some centres of these counties. Palm Sunday bears 
the marks of a big holiday. Vehicles of every de- 
scription are in great demand, all classes of people are 
represented in the surging crowds. Those that took 
the precaution to decorate their graves on Saturday, 
not to violate the Lord's Day^ will most likely 
mingle with the crowd on this auspicious occasion. 
The empty seats in the Sunday School room presents 
a grim contrast to the busy and gay crowds in the 
cemeteries. The thoughtlessness and giddiness of 
young people and some older ones is in striking con- 
trast to their sombre surroundings. Comments are 
made on the costly decorations, and finally the award 
is given to the grave that is strewed with the most 
extravagant decorations. The observance of Easter 
and Whit Monday, Christmas, etc., strongly savors of 
Popery. Another very conspicuous mark of Roman- 
ism in Wales is St David's Day, observed in honor of 
the Welsh Patron Saint. It seems to enjoy greater 
prestige among Wales abroad than in the Fatherland. 
St David was the son of Sandde Ab Ceredig Ab 

263 



Cunedda Wledig and Non his wife. He was the 
reputed uncle of King Arthur, the fruitful subject of 
so much romantic literature. He was educated in 
the renowned Illtyd Seminary, Glamorganshire. 
When Dyfrig Beneurog died in 522, the Archbishop- 
ric of the Country was offered St David. At that 
time, the seat of the Archbishopric was Carleon, 
Monmouthshire, which was in those days a flourish- 
ing city. Owing to the godlessness of its people, St 
David moved to Monmouth, Pembrokeshire, which 
was afterwards called Ty Ddewi (St Davids), Pem- 
brokeshire. The Archbishopric followed him. He 
died full of years in 544. He was Archbishop twenty- 
two years. One strong mark of his Episcopate was 
violent opposition to Pelagius, or Morgan, of Glamor- 
ganshire, who was charged withfieresy. Morgan was 
a gifted and good man. Dewi opposed him con- 
scientiously, but the maturer judgment of later times 
is of the opinion that Morgan's heresy had a very 
mild flavor compared with the article of to-day. 
Many are the miracles ascribed to Dewi. For that 
matter, the times were fraught with these miracles. 
The majority of these wonders are simply ridiculous. 
He holds a prominent place among the canonized 
saints of the Roman Catholic Church. St David's 
Day is observed by means of costly banquets inter- 
spersed with a steady flow of speech and song. 

Representative Welshmen rehearse the glory of 
Wales and the Welsh. As a social gathering, a St 
David's Banquet may have significance, but as a 
gathering calculated .to foster Welsh patriotism, it 
has yet to achieve success. The Toastmaster, ora- 

264 



tors, and singers invariably use the Saxon tongue. 
The strong and sweet cadences of the mother tongue 
are rarely heard at this festive board. Perhaps that 
is too much to expect. The observance of the day 
has its origin in Romanism. While it is a pleasure to 
note that Wales is comparatively free from the ignor- 
ance and religious superstition that sits as a deadly 
nightmare on some nationalities, the fact remains that 
these and other customs that still linger within her 
borders are diametrically opposed to Liberty and 
Relieion. 



265 



Social Life b Wales. 



I wish mach to have one branch done wellj and that 
is the history of manners of common life.— Dr. Johnson. 



Welsh Games — The Competitive Meeting — St David's Day — The Welsh 
Leek — A Welsh W'edding — A Welsh Funeral — Welsh Hospitality. 

From the earliest times the Welsh have been much 
given to physical and mental exercises. The charac- 
ter of these diversions has always been of an elevating 
nature, much to the good sense of the people. 

These exercises enjoyed the sanction of the Gov- 
ernment, and were regulated by well defined rules. 
They were divided into circles, as follows : The 
Bardic Circle, Music Circle, and Athletic Circle. 
Each circle was divided into twenty-four divisions, 
which embraced every known exercise pqrt^ining to 
that particular diversion. For instance, the Bardic 
Circle had its twenty-four alliterative measures 
peculiar to Welsh poetry ; the jMusic Circle had its 
twenty-four meters, and the Athletic Circle had 
twenty-four distinctive exercises scientifically arran- 
ged to meet the needs of the locality and times. 
The Athletic Circle had its divisions and sub-divis- 
ions. Ten of these exercises were called heroic 
games, because they called into play the physical 
energies. 

There were also ten exercises specially designed 
for the young. There were four exercises that were 

266 



known by the name ''Gogamp," which signified an 
inferior form of exercise. They were meant for pleas- 
ure more than profit. The Heroic Games consisted of 
the following exercises : Hurling Bolts, Foot-racing, 
Leaping, Swimming, Wrestling and Riding. Of 
these exercises. Foot-racing, Leaping, Swimming 
and Wrestling belonged to a distinct class known by 
the name Tadogion Gampau — Foster Games, called 
such because they could be indulged in by means of 
the unaided powers of nature. 

The heroic games were further subdivided as fol- 
lows, under the head of ^Military Gymnastics : vShoot- 
ing, Sword and Buckler exercise. Double-handed 
vSword exercise, and Fencing with a Quarter Staff. 

The Athletics for youths were subdivided as fol- 
lows : Chasing with Hounds, Fishing and Bird 
chasing. The remaining seven were domestic and 
intellectual, a classification peculiar to the Welsh. 
They embraced the following subjects : Poetry, Harp- 
playing, Reading Welsh, Singing to the accompani- 
ment of the Harp, Ode-singing, Deciphering and Con- 
structing Coats of Arms and Heraldry. 

Heraldry embraces such subjects as politics and the 
Court Ktliics of various nations. The student was 
required to cultivate patience, observation, heroism 
and tact to adjust differences, quell hatred and other- 
wise defend the rights and honor of his country. 
After passing a satisfactory examination in these sub- 
jects, he was admitted into the exclusive circle of 
the literateurs. 

The Gogampau-pleasure exercises were subdivided 
as follows : Draughts (some say that the game re- 

267 



sembled Backgammon) Chess, Dice and Harp-tuning. 

Although hunting was inchided under the head of 
youthful athlectics, it formed a distinct cjass, governed 
by special regulations. It had many subdivisions, 
too numerous to mention here. The principal object 
of these exercises was to train the inhabitants for 
war, the chief business of those times. Such games 
as hurling bolts, pitching quoits and hurling spears 
were much indulged in. Hurling stones with heavy 
weights attached to them was also a popular exercise. 
Foot-racing Avas considered of great importance. It 
was a competitive exercise, governed by national 
rules and encouraged by liberal prizes. The early 
Britons were very fleet-footed. Leaping was much 
engaged in. Sometimes these exercises were very 
daring. Swimming was also a national pastime. 

Ccesar makes honorable mention of the Britons' 
aquatic abilities. Wrestling ranked high among 
these exercises. Shooting with arrows, darts and 
spears was greatly encouraged. It w^as considered 
one of the most essential exercises. The great battle 
of Agincourt was won principalh- by skillful bowmen. 
The Welsh took a very prominent part in this battle. 
Tacitus makes mention of the Silures' skill as archers. 
The Welsh took great pains to develop skillful archers. 
They held public exhibitions at which the victors 
received suitable prizes. Skillful archers had no 
difficulty in hitting the mark at a distance of sixty 
feet. The laws of those times made ample provisions 
for the recreation of the inhabitants. The providing 
of recreation grounds was ihade compulsory. 

268 



Equestrianism was in ^reat favor. The liritons 
were renowned equestrians. Fencing with sword and 
buckler ranked high among tliese exercises. The 
double handed sword exercise was also encouraged, 
on account of the herculean strength that the skillful 
handling of it demanded. Fencing with a quarter 
staff was also popular. 

During the seventeenth century, these games were 
greatly discountenanced because of their sinful tend- 
encies. At present, the popular pastimes in Wales 
are bando, — ball playing, — cricket and foot-ball. 
Foot-ball has gained national prominence. Religious 
people view it with suspicion. They claim that the 
demoralization connected with it is alarming. 

The chase is strictly an aristocratic pastime. Foot- 
racing and wrestling are principally indulged in by 
the sporting class. 

The Cwrdd Cystadleuol — Competitive Meeting — is 
one of the strong features of social life in Wales. It 
is the National Eisteddfod in miniature. Notwith- 
standing the fact that it has been overshadowed by 
the magnitude of the national gathering, it has proven 
a strong factor in the popular education of the people. 
In this meeting, the boys and girls wage peaceful 
contests in prose, poetry, declamation, painting, knit- 
ting, needle-work, etc. The most remote hamlet can 
always count upon enough literary and musical talent 
to hold a competitive meeting. 

It used to be customary among women in Wales to 
form knitting parties for social amusement. The 
inevitable cup of tea was in much demand for the 
occasion. Many a stitch was dropped during the 

269 



recital of weird stories about fairies, witches, ghosts, 
hobgoblins, etc. 

• Wearing the Leek, the national emblem, is another 
Welsh custom. It is intimately connected with St 
David's Day. The custom is commonly believed to 
have had its origin at the battle of Cressy. The lolo 
manuscripts say : " It was first used by the Welsh 
at the battle of Cressy to decorate their distinguished 
compatriots." Some believe that it had an earlier 
origin. In Shakespeare's Henry V., Fluellen addresses 
the king as follows : 

Your grandfather of famous memory, a'nt please your majesty, and 
your great uncle Edward, the Black Prince of Wales, as I have read in 
the chronicles, fought a most prave pattle here in France. 
** *** * *.)t*^ 

Your majesty says very true : if your majesties is remembered of it, 
the Welshmen did good service in a garden where leeks did grow, 
wearing leeks in their Monmouth caps; which your majesty know, to 
this honour is an honourable badge of the service; and I do believe 
your majesty takes no scorn to wear the leek upon Saint Tavy's day. 

The wedding festivities in some parts of Wales are 
quaint and unique. In Cardiganshire and other 
southern counties, the young friends of the bride and 
bridegroom gather together at the home of the bride 
on the eve of the wedding day and indulge to their 
hearts' content in innocent pastimes. They get much 
amusement out of the old custom of hide and seek, 
played principally by the bride and bridegroom. The 
bride is hidd'^n by her friends, and the groom is 
given the pleasant but arduous task of finding her. 
During the progress of the search, all manner of 
tricks are played on the Benedict-elect to the great 
delieht of the suests. 



270 



There is no dearth of funny stories for the occasion. 
The evening would be sadly incomplete without the 
eulogistic strains of the poet. His effusions are far 
from being standard, but they are hugely enjoyed all 
the same. After spending a pleasant evening, they 
repair in good time to their homes in order to be on 
hand bright and early the following day. On the 
bridal morn it is customary for the wedding guests to 
repair to the bride's home, form a procession, and 
escort the happy couple to the chapel where the 
ceremony is to be performed. The journey thither 
is enlivened by a continuous flow of witticisms, which 
are much enjoyed by all. 

At the conclusion of the marriage ceremony and 
congratulations, the guests repair in the same order 
as they came to the new home of the young couple 
which has been furnished prior to the event. 

After partaking of refreshments, the Bride and 
Bridegroom sit at the head of the table to receive the 
"pwyth" goodwill offerings of their friends, A large 
plate is placed on the centre of the table, and all that 
feel disposed, deposit such sums as they can afford 
towards assisting their newly married friends to start 
housekeeping. These sums range from one to five 
shillings. If they have rich friends the sums range 
from ten shillings to one pound. 

This money is accepted on the distinct understand- 
ing that when any of the contributors get married, 
they in turn will reciprocate the courtesy. The 
marriage may not occur for five, ten or more years, 
but whenever it comes to pass, the obligation is 
expected to be discharged. The celebrations termi- 

271 



nate with an evening's enjoyment of innocent games, 
which are much enjoyed by all. The old like the 
young participate in these wedding festivities. 

As a rule they call upon the bride and groom a few 
days after the marriage has taken place. They come 
in goodly numbers, each one bringing the pwytli — 
marriage donation. An afternoon is pleasantly spent 
over a delicious cup of tea specially prepared by the 
young bride. These mothers become reminiscent 
in mood, and the happenings of the good old times 
are flavored with witticisms. 

In North Wales the elderly people make this call 
independent of any concerted action. Each one goes 
when convenient, and enjoys the ever welcomed "cup 
of tea. The customs vary slightly according to local- 
ity, but in substance they are identical with the 
wedding observances already described. 

There are some customs in connection with funer- 
als that are peculiar. If the weather is agreeable, the 
casket is placed on the hearse in front of the house, 
and the immediate relatives lean on it with lowered 
heads, during the progress of the exercises, which 
are only preliminary. This custom is in vogue in 
Cardiganshire. 

Singing in funerals is very popular in South Wales. 
They sing in some instances from the house to the 
Chapel where the funeral exercises are held, and from 
the chapel to the cemetery without intermission. 
The solemn exercises generally terminate with an 
able and pathetic rendering of an Anthem or Hymn 
suitable to the occasion. 



272 



Hospitality has been and is one of the strong and 
pleasing features of life in Wales. Giraldus Cam- 
brensis, who lived in the twelfth century, describes 
the Welsh of his time as follows : None of these 
people beg because their homes are open to all. They 
consider hospitality and liberality among the greatest 
virtues. Indeed their hospitality is so well known 
that it is never considered necessary to offer it to 
travellers. Upon entering a house, it is customary 
for every traveller who wishes to stay over night to 
lay aside his weapons and accept the proflfered water 
to wash his feet. If he declines the water, it indi- 
cates that he desires breakfast only. The guest who 
tarries over night is given much attention. The 
entertainment consists chiefly of music and conversa- 
tion provided by young women who are engaged for 
that purpose. 

When all intending guests have arrived, the even- 
ing meal is spread. The contents of the table are 
determined largely by the number of guests present 
and the circumstances of the host. Both host and 
hostess serve as waiters. They do not sit at meal 
until the guests have been fully supplied. 

Their hospitality must have been remarkably unself- 
ish. Seven centuries have wrought wonderful changes 
in the conditions of life in Wales. The people no 
longer believe that war is the chief business of man. 
At present there are no organized bands of itinerant 
warriors who look to the people to be fed ; but there 
are persons who deserve assistance, and to them the 
Welsh heart yearns with tangible sympathy. The 
home may be humble, the fare may be coarse, but the 
sweet hospitality that dispenses it is as hearty as it is 
unostentatious. 

273 



Moralitij io Wales. 



Wales and the Blue Book of 1847 — Defenders of Welsh Morality — 
Welsh Veracity — Crime in Wales — Total Absence of Vile Litera- 
ture — Public Morality — Welsh Paupers. 

From time to time the morality of Wales has been 
assailed and grossly misrepresented. According to 
the Blue Book of 1847, Vol. I, pp. 485-489, Rev. J. 
Griffiths, M. A., then Vicar of Aberdare, testified to 
the gross ignorance and immorality of the inhabitants, 
both male and female. The domestic life of the 
people of Aberdare, South Wales, was depicted in the 
grossest colors, which, if true, would brand them as 
rude barbarians. Generally speaking, these charges 
were everything but a correct record of facts. As 
might be expected, they raised a whirlwind of indig- 
nation. Meetings were held to protest against the 
great wrong done the people, and in due time the real 
facts in the case were placed before the Government. 
That there was immorality and ignorance amongst 
the lowest classes was freely admitted, but that it was 
true of the inhabitants in general was vehemently 
and conclusively denied by facts and figures ably 
presented by such men as Dr Price, Henry Richard, 
M. P., and others. 

In a noted speech in the House of Commons prompt- 
ed by this ungenerous attack on his countrymen, Mr 
Richard said, among other things : " There are in 

274 



Wales, as there are, unhappily, in every community 
under heaven, extreme instances of gross depravity. 
But in the name of all common sense and justice, is 
it fair to take these as the standard by which to form 
your estimate of a whole people, and on the strength 
of them to rush to the conclusion that their habits 
are those of animals, and that they are fast sinking 
into the most savage barbarism ? Apply the same 
test to the population of London. Let a number of 
men be appointed, who shall regard it as their duty 
to rake up all the ignorance, filth, vice and depravity 
and wretchedness to be found in that city, and let 
them bring forth the most hideous examples of pollu- 
tion they can find as illustrations of the state of 
society, and let me ask you, would you be content 
that any foreigner should form a judgment of the 
v/hole metropolitan community from such materials 
as these ? As I have been wadi;ig my way through 
these enormous volumes (Blue Books), where, I have 
asked myself again and again, are the hundreds and 
thousands of my poor countrymen, who are worthy 
consistent Christians, who in their humble stations, 
exemplify the power and loveliness of Christian prin- 
ciple whose homely huts, though devoid of all pre- 
tension to the elegances, and many, of the comforts of 
life, are nevertheless adorned with the beauty of holi- 
ness. Where is the record of these men's characters 
and virtues? That there are hundreds and thousands 
of such I know. Have I not stood beneath their 
humble roofs, whose naked rafters were polished and 
japanned by the smoke of the mountain turf. Have 
I not sat at their uncovered deal tables to partake of 

275 



their buttermilk and oatmeal bread, which coarse 
fare though it be, they feel a hospitable pride in dis- 
pensing. Have I not knelt on the mud floor, besides 
the wretched pallets on which they were stretched, 
and learned from lips pallid with the hue of death, 
lessons of Christian resignation of holy and triumphant 
confidence in God, such as I never learned elsewhere. 
Where, I say, are these men who shed the lustre of 
their humble piety over the hills and glens of my 
native land? I find no trace of them in these Blue 
Books; and untill I do find them, I utterly refuse to 
accept their contents as a fair representation of the 
character of my countrymen." 

This attack on Welsh morality did much to widen 
the breach already existing between the English and 
Welsh. With bitter memories of past wrongs in- 
flicted upon them by Englishmen, the Welsh began 
to despair of ever having justice meted out to them by 
England. About ten years ago, Mr Homersham 
Cox, an Englishman, who was at that time Judge in 
Central Wales startled the Principality by calling the 
Welsh a nation of liars. So completely was the indig- 
nation of the people aroused because of thi^ cowardly 
and uncalled-for attack, that the irritable Judge's influ- 
ence came to a speedy end in that part of the country. 
Since then Judge Stephen, has made a similar accu- 
sation. That a whole nation should be judged by 
the small fraction of Welshmen that figure in the 
criminal box is strange reasoning to say the least. 

In the notable Times — Parnell case, the Thunderer's 
side of the case was demonstrated to be a tissue of 
falsehood from first to last. In the celebrated Bac- 

276 



carat scandal, the prosecution and defence positively- 
swore to the veracity of their respective evidente. 
One of the sides was wilfully lying. All the parties 
interested belonged to upper-tendom, and yet, no one 
as far as could be learned, proved unreasonable enough 
to charge the English with being a lying nation. 
Because a few unfortunate Welsh people lied in court 
these Judges hastened to the conclusion that Wales 
was bereft of that " rarest of virtues — Veracity. " 

That there are lying Welsh is an undeniable fact ; 
and the same is strictly true of all nationalities. The 
absence of crime in Wales would give the lie to these 
and other unfounded charges. The daily average of 
prisoners in Wales in 1890 was 385, about one-half 
the average in English prisons, reckoning the popu- 
lation. Of this number a large majority are foreign- 
ers. In 1890, 154,652 were committed to prison in 
England and Wales, the average for Wales would be 
8,319, but the actual number was 4,667. Clean Crime 
Sheets occur frequently in the Principality much to 
the credit of the country's morals. One of the popu- 
lar Welsh songs bears the proud title of "Hen Wlad 
y Menyg Gwynion "— " The Old Land of White 
Gloves." The song has reference to the time- 
honored and beautiful custom of presenting the visit- 
ing Judge with a pair of white gloves in commem- 
oration of the Court's Clean Sheet. The presentation 
ceremony is unique. The Judge's words of congratu- 
lation and cheer add much to the interest of the occa- 
sion. 

In 1 89 1 Judge Lawrence was agreeably surprised 
to find clean sheets at the Anglesea and Flintshire 

277 



Assizes. The criminal business of the Welsh Courts, 
with few exceptions, is very light. Such an excep- 
tion we find in the Swansea Assize 1890. Chief 
Justice Coleridge said : Sixty two criminals is a large 
number to try in a single Assize, whether it be in 
England or Wales, and with the exception of five or 
six, they are serious cases. During the Swansea 
National Eisteddfod in 1891, it is estimated that there 
were at least 20,000 visitors in town, and the police 
officials took occasion to congratulate the Welsh on 
their excellent behavior, in view of the fact that there 
were only two unimportant cases of drunkenness 
before the Magistrates at the following Saturday's 
court. , 

One cannot help noticing the total absence of vile 
literature in the Welsh market. It is safe to say that 
public morality stands high in Wales. Unfortunately 
she has recently been furnished with opportunities to 
assert her abhorrence of sin in high places: Her 
voice of condemnation was as honest as it was pro- 
nounced. A glance at the pauper population of 
Wales will prove interesting in this connection. At 
present, (1893) there 6,523 paupers in the almshouses 
of Wales ; there are 49,426 receiving out-door relief. 
Out-door paupers in North Wales receive weekly about 
fifty-six cents per head ; in South Wales about forty- 
three cents ; in Lancaster County, England, twenty- 
three cents, and Chester County, twenty-nine cents. 

In Treffynon, North Wales, the largest amount 
paid is sixty-two cents per head. It is gratifying to 
learn that the pauper populatian is decreasing in 
Wales. In 1857 the average for England and Wales 

278 



was 48.3 per cent ; now it is 24.3 per cent. The 
pauper rate is higher in Wales than in England, hav- 
ing increased 2.3 per cent, during the year 1892. 

It is very difficult to determine the moral status ot 
a people. Statistics should be used with caution, 
because at best they only give an approximate view of 
the people's real condition. Perhaps no country has 
suffered more because of failure to keep this in mind 
than Wales. There is very little hidden crime in 
the country. When one goes wrong the fact is given 
great publicity immediately. In larger countries the 
conditions for concealment of crime are much more 
favorable. 

The moral plague spots are local, not general. 
While there is much to deplore in particular localities 
in Wales, the country at large must be congratulated 
for the excellent tone of her morality. 



279 



Tbe Webb CoptribiJtior) to Britaii). 



Welsh Extremists — Canon Farrar tells what England owes to Wales — 
Sir Hugh Myddleton — Welsh Inventors — The Welsh and Modern 
Reforms — The Nonconformist Conscience. 

From time to time, some Welshmen, with more 
zeal than discretion, have claimed extravagant things 
for Wales. This foolish exuberance has made them 
the butts of just ridicule by their Saxon neighbors. 
When, however, a noble Saxon, like the gifted and 
genial Canon Farrar, who has soul enough to rise 
above the prejudices of his race goes among them and 
talks eloquently of the Welsh Contribution to Britain, 
he deserves and gets a candid hearing. 

In his address at the Bangor Eisteddfod, August, 
1890, this noted clergyman said : "Humanity, apart 
from the distinctions that characterize various nation- 
alities, would be like an undulating plain, upon which 
a molehill would be a mountain. It is well that 
nations dwell in peace, and preserve the distinctive 
characteristics implanted in them by the hand of God. 
The only nation that has preserved its identity is the 
Welsh Nation. They alone represent the great Cel- 
tic tribe that once inhabited the greater part of 
Europe. They affiliated with the Greeks and Romans, 
but they perished while the Welsh survive. The 
Welsh ought to boast of this, and also the heroism of 
their ancestry in preserving the nation from extinc- 

280 



tion. They preserved their identity for centuries 
against the attacks of a power twelve times its num- 
ber, and when they lost their independence in the 
time of Edward I, it was because of disunion in their 
own ranks.' 

'Wales can boast, too, that she has given Great 
Britain the best line of Kings, because the Tudor line 
gotten through Henry VII, was superior to the one 
that Scotland gave through James I. But not in 
kings and wars alone can Wales boast, but also in 
civilization. Besides her own poets, Taliesin and 
Aneurin, Wales has given some of the best men to 
Britain. George Herbert, the hymnologist ; Lewis 
IMorris, the poet ; Inigo Jones, the builder ; Henry 
Williams and Burne Jones, the artists ; John Gibson, 
the sculptor, and the renowned Dr Richard Davies. 

She has given to the world theologians and 
eminent preachers such as Bishop Morgan, who trans- 
lated the Bible into Welsh, Howell Harris, David 
Rowlands, Christmas Evans, John Jones, Talsarn, 
etc.; and educators such as Osborne Morgan and 
Mabon. Turn again to the renowned Westminster 
Abbey and you^find that one of the most liberal 
minded Deans was Archbishop Williams, Francis 
Bacon's successor, who was born in Conway, educa- 
ted at Ruthin and buried at Llanrwst. The dear 
departed Dean Stanley was a Welshman in part, and 
boasted of the Welsh blood in his veins. In a word, 
the Welsh Nation has produced men that have left 
their impress upon the world." 

He might have added, among others, H. M. Stanley, 
the great explorer, (his original name was John 

281 



Rowlands,) who was born at Denbigh, North 
Wales. This estimate of the Welsh contribution to 
Britain by this widely known scholar and critic pos- 
sesses exceptional interest. 

Bngland is indebted to Wales for her water supply. 
Three hundred years ago, London was suffering 
from a water famine. Parliament passed an Act to 
supply the city with water by scientific means. But 
the Act was futile, because they had neither the man 
nor the means to carry the project into effect. It 
remained for Hugh Myddleton, a distinguished Welsh- 
man, born near Denbigh, North Wales, to undertake 
the stupendous task. This occurred in 1555. Not- 
withstanding the great difficulties that he had to 
contend with at the hands of landowners, who were 
violently opposed to the scheme, his undertaking 
proved a big success. The water was brought from 
Hertfordshire. "The matter, says Stow, had been 
well mentioned, though little minded; long debated, 
but never concluded; till courage and resolution hav- 
ing lovingly shook hands together, as it appears in 
the soule of this no-way-to-be-daunted, well minded 
gentleman. When all others held t^ck — Lord Mayor, 
corporation and citizens — Myddleton took courage, 
and showed what one strong practical man borne 
forward by resolute will and purpose can do." The 
dauntless Welshman, says Pennant, steped forth and 
smote the rock, and the waters flowed into the thirsty 
metropolis. Although the distance between London 
and Ware is only about twenty miles, the New River 
as originally constructed, was not less than thirty- 
eight and three-quarter miles in length. No divi- 

282 



deiid was paid until the lapse of twenty years from 
the date of opening the New River, and the first divi- 
dend only amounted to ;^I5, 3s, 3d, per share. Not- 
withstanding this untoward commencement of the 
New Company it made great and rapid progress when 
its early commercial difficulties had been overcome^ 
and after the year 1640, its prosperity steadily kept 
pace with the population and wealth of the metropolis. 
By the end of the seventeenth century the dividend 
paid was at the rate of about ^200 per share, at the 
end of the eighteenth century the dividend was ^^300 
per share; and at the present date, says Samuel Smiles 
in his 'Brindley and the Engineers,' each share pro- 
duces about ;^850 a year. At only twenty years pur- 
chase, the capital value of a single share at this day 
would be about ^17,000. 

In addition to this gigantic task, this talented 
Cambrian reclaimed some valuable lands from the 
encroachments of the sea and also successfully operated 
silver and lead mines in Cardiganshire. For these 
services the King bestowed upon him a baronetcy, 
minus the fees which amounted to ;^i,095. The 
patent of baronetcy giv-es the following reasons and 
considerations which induced the King to confer the 
honor: 

1. "For bringing to the city of London with exces- 
sive charge and great difficulty a new cut or river of 
fresh water, to the great benefit and inestimable pre- 
servation thereof. 

2. For gaining a very great and spacious quantity 
of land in Braden Haven, in the Isle of Wight, out of 
the bowels of the sea, and with banks and pyles and 

283 



most strange defensible and chargeable mountains, 
fortifying the same against the violence and fury of 
the waves. 

3. For finding out with a fortunate and prosper- 
ous skill, exceeding industry, and no small charge of 
the county of Cardigan, a royal and rych myne, from 
whence he hath extracted many silver plates which 
have been coyned in the Tower of Ivondon for current 
money of England." 

Liverpool gets her water supply from Llanwddyn 
Lake, North Wales, which covers 18,000 acres of land 
and contains 12,000,000,000 gallons of water. There 
are rumors that the beautiful Claerwen Valley, Rad- 
norshire, South Wales, is to be converted into a huge 
watershed. 

Mr William Edwards the famous South Wales 
bridge builder was another Welshman who contributed 
grandly to British engineering science. In 1802 
Messrs Trevethin and Vivian, two Welshmen applied 
for a patent to construct a locomotive engine. In 
1804, the engine was successfully tested on a railroad 
at Merthyr Tydvil, South Wales. This was the first 
practical application of the steam engine as a locomo- 
tive power. 

A writer in the Red Dragon says: It is not generally 
known that the establishment of an institution in Lon- 
don which in these commercial times has becomfe as 
famous as the Eisteddfod itself — I refer to the Royal 
Exchange — was due primarily to the suggestion of a 
Welshman. In a work entitled, " Some accounts of 
London," I find the author referring to the subject in 
the following words : Let the pride of my country- 

284 



men not be suppressed when I have an opportunity 
of saying that the original hint was given to Sir 
Thomas Gresham, by his Welsh servant Richard 
Clough, who was afterwards knighted. In the 
year 1561 by his merit and industry, he was advan- 
ced by Sir Thomas to be his correspondent and 
agent, in the then Emporium of the World, Ant- 
werp. Clough wrote to his master to blame the 
citizens of London for neglecting so necessary a 
thing, bluntly saying that they studied nothing 
else but their own private profit ; that they were 
content to walk about in the rain more like peddlers 
than merchants ; and that there was no kind of people 
but had their place to transact business in other coun- 
tries. Thus stimulated. Sir Thomas purchased some 
tenements on the site of the Royal Exchange, on 
June 7th, 1566, laid the foundation, and in November 
1567, completed what was called the Bourse. The 
original building perished in the great fire of 1660. 
Rev. Samuel Roberts, Llanbrynmair, North Wales, 
advocated the Penny Post ten years before Sir Rowl- 
and Hill. 

Her contribution to English literature is consider- 
able. j\Ir Matthew Arnold said that English poetry 
got nearly all its turn for catching and rendering the 
charm of natnre in a wonderfully near and vivid way, 
beside possibly other qualities, from a Keltic source. 
Mr Henry Morley believed that but for the Keltic 
influence England would not have produced a Shakes- 
peare. In a letter written by Beilege L,ur Algemin^ 
March 23, 1840, he calls the attention of his country- 
men to the Kymric philological lore. He incident- 

285 



ally mentions a work by the learned Dr Pritcliard, a 
Welshman by descent, on Egyptian Researches, and 
also his remarkable work on "The Generations of the 
Human Race," the first ethnological work produced 
in Europe, the purpose of which was to ascertain the 
relations between the Welsh in Brittany and the 
Welsh in Wales, together with the descendants of the 
Celts and the Germans and Indians. George Elliot, 
the eminent novelist was a Welsh lady. Her maiden 
name was Marian Evans. The force of her genius 
and character is universally recognized. Prof. Rhys, 
the widely known Oxford Philologist is a Welshman. 
His recent work on "The Early Legends of Britain" 
is calculated to prove that the pedigree of English 
literature is largely Celtic. Mr Lewis Morris, the 
Poet's contribution to English poetry is considerable. 

Wales' contribution to British fine arts is also worthy 
of mention. Among others we note the following: 
Mr Burne Jones, Sir James Gibson, R. A., Messrs 
James Milo Griffith and D. A. Thomas — the last 
mentioned is hardly out of his teens. Prof. Owen, of 
the Royal College of Surgeons, one of the greatest 
Anatomists that ever lived, was of Welsh descent. 
Dr John Williams, Physician to the Queen, and Sir 
David Evans, Ex Lord Ma}or of London are Welsh- 
men. Wales' contribution to British vocal music is 
rich. Mrs Mary Davies, Miss Llewela Davies, Messrs 
Ben Davies, Dyfed Lewis and Ffrangcon Davies are 
excellent representatives. 

Her educational aggressiveness is exerting a salu- 
tary influence over Scotland and Ireland. Rev. Wm. 
Ross, Cowcaddens, Glasgow, recently drew the atten- 

286 



tion of the Gaelic Society of his city to the need of 
emiflating the educational enthusiasm of their Welsh 
brethren. He referred incidentally to the fact that 
the Welsh by persistent efforts, had succeeded in 
getting concessions from the Government and pub- 
lishing two school books for the specific teaching 
of Welsh. The Society for the preservation of 
the Irish language reports that Irish is taught in 
forty-five national schools, and the number of pupils 
who have passed in it has risen from twelve in 1881, 
to over 500 in 1889. Her long and earnest advocacy 
of religious equality has greatly roused England 
on the subject. She led the way in the denunci- 
ation of the rough and tumble escapades of upper- 
tendom. Her sensitiveness concerning thenation's 
morals has been dubbed the Nonconformist Con- 
science. Satirical as it is, she was never paid a 
handsomer compliment. 



287 



Tbe Wei?!] ii) flrDerica. 



Prince Madoc and his Voyages — Early Welsh Immigrants — Welsh Set- 
tlements in Colonial and Revolutionary Days — Eminent Welsh- 
Americans — Welsh Newspapers and Periodicals — Some Diversions 
of the Welsh — St. David's Day — St. David's Societies — The 
Order of True Ivorites — Welsh Prisoners and Paupers — Welsh 
Churches in America. 

There is a strong and interesting tradition that 
Prince Madoc, of North Wales sailed to the West 
with eight vessels in 1170, over 300 years before 
Columbus crossed the Atlantic. After a brief sojourn 
in the newly discovered country, which is described 
as rich and whose inhabitants "were dark colored 
savages," he returned to Wales. He urged his 
countrymen to abandon their feuds and impoverished 
soil and accompany him to his western home. His 
mission was successful. On his second voyage he 
took eighteen ships with three thousand of his country- 
men, and landed, according to some, in Florida, while 
others maintain that he took possession of the throne 
and kincjdom of Mexico. Prince Madoc and his 
followers are supposed to be the ancestors of the 
Modocs, a tribe of North American Indians. Some 
striking coincidents are pointed out in proof of this 
view. In 1740 a letter appeared in the Gentleman's 
Magazine, London, from the pen of Rev. Morgan 
Jones, written in 1685, in which he states that in 
1660, during his Chaplaincy in Virginia, he made a 

288 



journey to South Carolina, and was taken prisoner in 
the wilderness by the Tuscarora Indians and con- 
demned to death. One of the war captains who 
heard him soliloquizing, in the British tongue, over 
his fate, spoke to him in the same language, saying 
that he should not die, and ultimately procured his 
ransom. He livgd with these Indians four months, 
conversed with them, and preached to them in the 
British language. Their language with the exception 
of the many new words introduced into it, was iden- 
tical with the ancient British tongue. 

The following letter, translated from the Welsh, 
written April, 1797, by a Mr Jones, who owned an 
iron plant on the Monongahela river near Pittsburg, 
to his brother Dr Jones, Hammersmith, England, 
will prove of interest in this connection. ' " One of 
our neighbors, who has commercial dealings with us 
went down the Ohio last October, and thence up the 
Mississippi, within sixty miles of the Missouri, to a 
town called Mazores. During his stay here, he 
chanced to be in a store when two Indians came in 
and addressed the storekeeper in an unknown tongue. 
The merchant appealed to the lawyers in the adjoin- 
ing towns and forts to help him out of the difficulty, 
but none of them understood the language. 

Latterly a Welshman came in. He found the 
Indians pointing at some goods in the vain endeavor 
to be understood. He became greatly interested in 
their speech, and soon solved the merchant's difficulty 
by pronouncing it Welsh. He immediately addressed 
them in the Kymric tongue, and they conversed 
freely with one another. They wore no shirts but 

289 



were neatly clad from head to foot in Buffalo skins 
covered with hair, which were ingeniously manufac- 
tured. He was given to understand that they lived 
a great distance up the Missouri, and had been jour- 
neying three months at least before they reached 
Mazores. 

Their complexion was copper, like other Indians, 
rather dark hair and no beard, excepting a little on 
the chin. Beyond a doubt, there is a tribe of white 
Indians near the source of the Missouri, perhaps 
two thousand miles from the terminus of the river. 
It is likely that these parts are cold, because they are 
full of white bears, in other parts they are black, at 
least in such places as south of the lakes, and about 
the Allegheny Mountains. These* are the principle 
facts that I gleaned from him. He is gone down again, 
and has promised to make further investigation." We 
could continue to quote like testimony, which, to say 
the least, demands attention. 

In August, 1795, John Evans, a patriotic young 
Welshman, born at Bettws Garmou, (Gannons' house 
of Prayer,) near Carnarvon, North Wales, went from 
St Louis in search of the missing Madocs, accompan- 
ied by Mr James Mackay, Superintendent of Com- 
merce on the Missouri Riv&r. After a journey of 
several months, he came across a tribe of Indians 
called the Mahas, 900 miles up the Missouri. In 
February 1796, he recommenced his journey west- 
ward, and traveled 300 miles ; but the war-like atti- 
tude of the Sioux tribe compelled him to return. In 
the May following he made another journey, and in 

290 



August came across the Mandans, 900 miles distant 
from the Mahas tribe. After a faithful but fruitless 
search of sixty-eight days, he reached St Louis, July, 
1797, after an absence of two years, fully convinced 
in his own mind that the Welsh Madocs had only 
a legendary existence. These conclusions were based 
upon frequent intercourse with the many Indian 
tribes with which he came in contact. 

Haklyut's collection of Voyages, published in 1589, 
contends strongly for the validity of Madoc's discov- 
ery of America. Rev. De Costa, the eminent New 
York Clergyman and Historian, accepts the landing 
of Madoc and his men as a historical fact. The 
Boston "Transcript," January 3d and loth, 1891, 
contained scholarly articles by one " Mishawun " in 
support of the same belief. Such men as General 
James and President W. C. Roberts belong to the same 
school. The former supports his belief in a strong 
article entitled, "America Discovered by the Welsh," 
ilka recent issue of the "Independent." The facts 
he marshalls in favor of the Madoc discovery of 
America are striking. At one time the belief was 
prevalent in England and Wales that Madoc dis- 
covered America. Mrs Hemans wrote a stirring poem 
entitled. Prince Madoc's Farewell. 

The following plaintive lines entitled, " Where are 
the Old Kymry" by "Ceiriog," the Burns of Wales, 
refer to the mission of John Evans, the young Welsh- 
man, who at great cost made an unsuccessful search 
for the missing descendants of Madoc and his follow- 
ers. 



291 



"He closed his lov'd Book as he rose from devotion, 
And thought of the heathen in fa.r distant lands : 
I'll seek the Welsh tribe 'said the youth with emotion," 
And give them this volume of love in their hands; 

. Farewell to thee Arvon, thy sons and thy daughters, 
Ye groves that are sacred and homes that are blest; 
The sunshine of truth o'er the measureless waters. 
Shall beam on the Kymry who dwell in the West." 

He heard the loud howling of wild beasts surrounding,, 

The moan of the wind and the roar of the sea ; 

Yet onward he wandered with hope in him bounding, 

To seek for the people his soul longed to see : 

He roamed thro' the forest where Indians lov'd staying, 

And laid by the dark rolling river to rest ; 

And died in the moonlight deliriously crying. 

Where are the old Kymry who dwell in the West." 

The majority of Welsh Literateurs, however, regard 
it as a tradition. But time works wonders. Who 
knows what the labors of the future Historian will 
effect towards clearing the mist of centuries, and 
making what is now an interesting tradition, a histori- 
cal fact? When Washington wrote his biography of 
Columbus, the landing of Norsemen on these shores 
prior to Columbus was regarded as a legend ; to-day 
no respectable historian would care to deny that these 
Norsemen did land somewhere on our shores. In 
Colonial days Welshmen were numerous among the 
early settlers. The Mayflower brought over such 
Welshmen as Captain Jones, Commander Thomas 
Rogers, John Alden, Stephen Hopkins, and others. 
Between 1607 and 1773 Welshmen, among others 
settled in the following states: Virginia, Maryland, 
Georgia, and South Carolina. 

From 1630 to 1670 New England became the home 
of Welshmen, who had fled there for life and liberty. 

292 



Roger Williams, who was born in Carmarthenshire, 
South Wales, is perhaps the most illustrious Welsh- 
man Wales ever gave to America. He came to this 
country in 1630. As the expounder of liberty, civil 
and religious, the first Baptist missionary to the 
American Indians, and the founder ot Rhode Island, 
his name is imperishable. About 1636, Rev. John 
Jones, an Oxford graduate, fled to New England in 
quest of the liberty he was denied at home. In 1640, 
a large body of Welshmen came to Mansfield, Con- 
necticut, from Chepstow, Monmouthshire. In 1682, 
the ship "Welcome" brought William Penn and a 
goodly company of Welsh Quakers. They landed in 
Philadelphia. They purchased 40,000 acres of land 
and named it "Welsh Tract," known at present as 
Lower Meirion, Haverford, and Radnor. Many 
railway stations in that section bear Welsh names, 
such as "Bala," at the home of President Roberts, 
of the Pennsylvania Railroad Company, and Bryn- 
mawr, named in commemoration of the old home 
of Rowland Ellis. Towards the close of the year 
1697 William, John and Thomas Ap Evan landed 
in Philadelphia in the interest of a number of pro- 
spective Welsh emigrants, to select a place of settle- 
ment, as was the custom of the Welsh of those times. 
In 1697, Hugh Roberts, a Quaker preacher who came 
over in the ship "Welcome," in 1682, paid a visit to 
Wales, and used his excellent knowledge of the Welsh 
Tract and great influence to induce a large number 
of North Wales people to emigrate to America. 

On April i8th, 1698, the body of immigrants who 
had already sent Johns and Evans to purchase land 

293 



for them, left Liverpool on the ship "Robert and 
Elizabeth." They left Dublin on May ist, and 
reached Philadelphia July 17th, after a voyage of 
much suffering and death. Forty-five passengers and 
three sailors died of dysentery. Edward Foulk's 
narrative says : The distemper was so mortal that 
two or three corpses were cast overboard every day 
while it lasted." Among this company were such 
men as Hugh Roberts, the Quaker preacher, Thomas 
Evans, Robert Owen, Cadwallader, Hugh Griffith, 
John Hugh and John Humphrey. These immigrants 
were intelligent, industrious, and not a few in com- 
paratively easy circumstances. They settled sixteen 
miles northwest of Philadelphia, and called the set- 
tlement Gwynedd, the Welsh name for their old home, 
North Wales. On both sides of the Delaware were 
Welshmen from various parts of Wales. 

In 1 701, Rev. Enoch Morgan, pastor of the Welsh 
Tract Baptist Church came here, and the same year 
Rev. Thomas Griffith and his Church emigrated in a 
body from Pembrokeshire and formed the Welsh 
Tract Church in Delaware. In 1710, Rev. Benjamin 
Griffiths, Pastor of the Baptist Church, Montgomery, 
Pa., a half brother of Rev. Enoch Morgan came here. 
He was ordained in 1725. In 171 1, Rev. Abel Mor- 
gan, the distinguished brother of Rev. Enoch Morgan, 
Pastor of the Baptist Church, Penypec, Pa. landed 
in this country. 

In 1795 numbers of Welshmen settled in Utica, 
Steuben, artd Oneida in N. Y., Ebensburg, Pa., New- 
ark, Granville, and Welsh Hills, Ohio. Among the 
Welshmen who settled at Ebensburg was Rev, John 

294 



Roberts, Llanbrynmair. The tide of Welsh immigra- 
tion flowed strongly from 1830 to 1840, and i860 to 
1870. They settled principally in Pennsylvania, New 
York, Ohio, Wisconsin, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas and 
Nebraska. Welshmen have also formed settlements 
in Dakota, IMontana, Oregon and Washington. Dr 
Thomas, in the "Chataquan" gives the number of 
Welsh settlements as follows : New York over twenty; 
Pennsylvania, over forty ; Wisconsin, twenty-five ; 
Minnesota, five; Missouri, nine; Kansas, ten ; -Ne- 
braska, four ; and there are a few in Vermont, New 
Jersey, Maine, Maryland, West Virginia, Tennessee, 
Georgia, Louisiana, Colorado, California, Oregon, 
Dakota, Montana, and Washington. 

Pennsylvania has the largest Welsh population. 
The following places scattered throughout the states 
bear the names of the settlers' homes in Wales : Ban- 
gor, Berwyn, Carnarvon, St Davids, Gwynedd, Haver- 
ford, Meirion Maldwyn, Narberth and Troed-rhiw- 
dalar. Bound up in these names were associations 
and memories dear to these sturdy pioneers. No 
nationality, considering its numbers, has contributed 
more handsomely to American civilization than the 
Welsh. 

They have always been noted for their industry, 
thrift and morality. The following were noted among 
the early Welsh settlers : The Governor of the 
Colony, Thomas Lloyd ; Anthony IMorris, first IMayor 
of Philadelphia ; David Lloyd, Chief Justice ; Ellis 
Pugh, an eminent Physician ; Rev. David Jones, 
Chaplain under Gen. Wayne in the Revolution- 
ary 'War; Dr. Thomas Wynn, Speaker of the first 

295 



Assembly ; Rowland Ellis, the great Quaker, and 
Thomas Cadwallader, one of the founders of Pennsyl- 
vania University, Philadelphia. Welsh Americans 
have always been noted for their patriotism. Wales 
gave the Continental Army fourteen generals, 
seven Colonels, among other officers and Privates, 
who proved excellent soldiers. Commodore Hopkins 
of the Navy was a Welshman. Their prowess was 
not confined to the battle field. Welshmen abroad 
became deeply interested in the struggle for inde- 
pendence and gave material aid. Rev. Dr Richard 
Price, London, was privileged to render signal service 
to the great cause. In 1776 he published a pamphlet 
entitled, "Observations on Civil Liberty and the Justice 
and Policy of the War with America." The brochure 
became very popular. Tlie first edition was sold 
within a few days, and a cheaper edition issued. 
Through the influence of Benjamin Franklin, who 
was a warm admirer of Mr Price's abilities, the author 
received a cordial invitation to make America his 
home, and assist in the financial administration of 
the United States. He was forced to decline the 
offer, using the prophetic words that he looked to the 
United States as now the hope and likely soon to 
become the refuge of mankind. Another Welshman 
who rendered magnificent service to the Revolu- 
tionary cause was Robert Morris, the distinguished 
financier. This excellent man was born in Wales, 
came to America in childhood, and by force of 
character worked himself to a position of affluence 
and power. He became from apprentice boy, the 
prince merchant of the city of Philadelphia. In 1776, 

296 



he became a member of the Continental Congress, and 
in 1 781 was made Secretary of Finance. He laid his 
princely fortune on the altar of country and died 
comparatively poor, in 1806. When the American 
flag was insulted at Fort Sumter, thousands of Welsh- 
men responded to the call to arms and gave their 
breasts as bulwarks to the enemy. 

Among those who served and distinguished them- 
selves are the following : General George Thomas, 
"who never lost a battle;" General Evans, South 
Carolina ; Captain Owen Griffiths, who formed a 
regiment of no men. Company F, 22, Wisconsin, 
which became affiliated with the Grangers' Reserve 
Corps, and which saw service at Sumter, Nashville 
and Murphy boro ; Captain T. R. Lewis, Evanston, 
Illinois ; Col. John R. Jones, 58th Pennsylvania ; and 
a host of others, officers and privates. Rev George 
G. Jones, born in Sterling, Massachusetts, served as 
Chaplain to a New Hampshire regiment. He fitly 
represented the Welsh Chaplains of the late war. 
Miss Hettie Jones, sister to Horatio Gates Jones, 
recently deceased, died on the field while nursing the 
dying and wounded. The "Hettie A. Jones Post G. 
A. R." is named in honor of her memory. She rep- 
resented worthily the Welsh women who served their 
country in this tender and heroic capacity during the 
Civil War. 

The Welsh are generally engaged in mines, iron, 
steel and tin works, slate quarries and farming. 
Whether the Welshman delves for the varied treasures 
of mother earth, amid toils and dangers, manufactures 
the raw ore into finished material in forge and mill, 

297 



or lays bare the frowning forest, and converts it into 
smiling fields of golden grain, he is the same indomi- 
table and honest toiler, whose chief ambition is to do 
things well. 

Among the Welshmen who are noted as Coal 
Operators, Mine Superintendents and Inspectors, 
Hon. Daniel Edwards, Kingston and Benjamin 
Hughes, Scranton, Penna., are excellent representa- 
tives. Large numbers of Welsh are found in Iron,. 
Steel and Tin Plate Mills. It is claimed by W. 
Griffiths, Covington, Kentucky, that two plain Welsh- 
men of South Wales, Ben. Parry of the British Iron 
Works and Tom David of Beaufort, Monmouthshire, 
South Wales were the first to manufacture iron from 
anthracite coal in, the United States. Of the Welsh- 
men who have by talent and application become Iron 
and Steel Manufacturers, we mention a few. The 
late Samuel Emlyn Jones, Nashville, whose business 
is still continued by his sons ; David R. Thomas, 
Catasaqua, one of the earliest and most prominent 
Welsh American Manufacturers ; John Henry, Mans- 
field ; Fredrick Richard Phillips, Chairman of the 
American Tin Plate Company, and Enoch Stanford, 
Superintendent of the Elwood Tin Works. A goodly 
number of the employes in Slate Quarries are of this 
nationality. The late William Williams, Slatington, 
was one of the pioneers in this industry. His quar- 
ries are still operated by his relatives. Where Welsh- 
men have taken to farming they have generally 
succeeded. The same is true of those among them 
who have adopted the various professions. The 
Welsh point to their men of note in all pursuits of life. 

298 



Ex-Postmaster General James, in his excellent article 
on the Welsh in America, in the "Cosmopolitan,'^ 
claims that seventeen of the signers of the Declara- 
tion of Independence were Welshmen by birth or 
ancestry. 

Thomas Jefferson, author of the immortal docu- 
ment ; Lewis, who accompanied Clark to the Colum- 
bia River, Samuel and John Adams ; Stephen Hop- 
kins, Rhode Island ; William Williams, Connecticut ; 
Francis Hopkins, New Jersey ; John IMorton, Pennsy- 
lvania ; John Penn, Virginia ; Arthur Middleton, 
South Carolina ; Button Gwinnett, (a native of Wales) 
Georgia ; Benjamin Harrison ; Richard Henry Lee, 
and Francis Lightfoot Lee, of Virginia. Richard 
Henry Lee offered the resolution declaring the Colo- 
nies free and independent. 

Besides Robert Morris, the following Welshmen 
were members of the Continental Congress : William 
Floyd, Long Island ; Francis Lewis, born in South 
Wales in 1713, and Lewis Morris born in 1726, of 
Welsh ancestry, (this man lost a large amount of prop- 
erty in the war). The Welsh can justly lav claim to 
one, at least, of the Nation's Presidents — the immor- 
tal Thomas Jefferson. Mr Jefferson's ancestors came 
from North Wales. 

Mr James claims in the article heretofore mentioned, 
in addition to Jefferson that the following Presidents 
were of Welsh origin : James ]\Iadison, James Monroe^ 
William Henry Harrison, James A. Garfield, Benja- 
min Harrison and John Ouincy Adams. He further 
claims that Chief Justice John Marshall, (the Ameri- 
can Mansfield) and Roger B. Taney, were descend- 
ants of Welshmen. 

299 



Not many Welshmen have been honored with 
Cabinet offices; we may, however, mention Ex Post- 
master General James, of Garfield's Cabinet, an ardent 
Welsh American whose term of office was notable for 
its efficiency. Among the Governors of States or 
Territories we may mention Edwin D. Morgan, the 
great war Governor of New York ; Hon Edward Bebb, 
Governor of Ohio ; Ex-Governor Humphrey and the 
present Governor Llewellyn, Kansas ; Ex-Governor 
Evans, war Governor of Colorado ; and Ex-Governor 
Arthur L. Thomas, Utah Territory. The following 
Welshmen are known as United States Senators : 
Senator J. P. Jones, Nevada ; Senator Idris, South 
Carolina ; and Ex-Senator Morgan B. Williams, 
Pennsylvania. Col George W. Morgan, South Caro- 
lina, represents the race in the United States Congress. 
Hon Llewellyn Breeze, Portage, has served as Secre- 
tary of the State of Wisconsin. Numbers of Welsh- 
men have served their Slates in their Legislatures, 
Senates and other important capacities. 

Amongf the Welshmen who have disting^uished 
themselves in the legal profession we note the follow- 
ing : Ex-Judge Noah Davies and Judge Griffiths, 
New York ; Ex Probate Judge Pugh, Columbus ; Hon 
Anthony Howells, Judge J. R, Jones, Ohio ; Judge 
George Roberts, Ex Lieutenant, Governor Davies and 
Judge Henry M. Edwards, Pennsylvania. 

The following are prominent railroad and steam- 
boat officials : George B. Roberts, the efficient Presi- 
dent of the Pennsylvania Railroad ; D. T. Edwards, 
of the Queen and Crescent Road ; W. E. Powell, 
(Gwil)'ni Eryri) Emigration Agent, Chicago, Milwau- 

300 



kee and St Paul Railroad ; and Hugh Roberts, Sup- 
erintendent of the Atlas line of steamers. The fol- 
lowing are representative Welsh merchants : T. C. 
Jenkins, Pittsburg, who owns a, mammoth wholesale 
grocery ; and G. T. Matthews, New York, the big tea 
merchant. The following Cambrians are conductino- 
lithographic establishments : W. J. Alorgan, Cleve- 
land, and H. Johns, Cincinnati. 

The Welsh and English Newspapers and Periodi- 
cals published by Cambro-Americans receive en- 
couraging support. In addition to his daily news- 
paper, the average Welshman must have the ever 
welcome Welsh Weekly and Monthly. Y Drych, 
(The Mirror) published at Utica, and edited by Messrs 
Lewis and Roberts, is an excellent weekly. Its 
facilities for news-gathering are admirable. Its edito- 
rials are able. It is the best Welsh newspaper pub- 
lished eithef here or abroad. The Monthlies are Y 
Wawr, (The Dawn) published at Utica, N. Y. by 
Rev. Owen Griffiths, Y Cenhadwr, (The Messenger), 
published at Renisen, N. Y. by Rev. E. Davis; Y 
Cyfaill, (The Friend) edited by Dr Howells, Colum- 
bus, Ohio, and the Cambrian, an English Monthly 
published by Rev. E. E. Evans ; and are ably con- 
ducted. They are excellent specimens of periodicals. 

Among the American journalists of note, we find a 
number of Welshmen. From among them we select 
the following : The late George Jones, editor of the 
New York "Times," who was an excellent example of 
the traditional virtues of his Welsh ancestry. His 
refusal of one million dollars for agreeing not to expose 
the Tweed entrenchments in New York City and 

301 



State, stamped him as a man of unflinching purpose 
and sterling honesty. No man contributed more 
handsomely to American Journalism than this tal- 
ented Welshman. Jo'hn Francis, Troy "Times," an 
Ex-Minister tq Austria; Hon. Ellis Roberts, Utica 
"Hearld," Ex-Assistant Treasurer of the United 
States, at New York ; Evan Howells, Atlanta "Con- 
stitution," and Charles A. Griffiths, Evening "News," 
Buffalo, New York ; G. H. Humphreys, Utica, and 
]\I. E. Ellis, Colorado, are representative Welsh edit- 
ors. Thomas H. Evans, Eastern Manager of San 
Francisco "Chronicle" and Chicago "Tribune," and 
Herbert Y. Rees are widely known Journalists. Both 
men are natives of Wales, and a credit to their chosen 
profession. 

Of Welsh-American Poets there are a host. The 
following are well known : Thomas Buchanan Reed, 
Aneurin Jones and J. T. Morgan, (Thalamus.) Profs. 
Parson Price, New York, and D. J. J. Mason, Penna., 
are excellent examples of Welsh-American composers 
of music. The late W. A. Williams, (Gwilym Gwent) 
the eminent minstrel of the mines was a musical 
genius. Some of his productions are immortal. 
The following are widely known vocalists : Profs. 
Gordon Thomas, New York ; James Sauvage. New 
Jersey, and W. Apmadoc, Chicago; Mrs Alltwen 
Bell, Ohio ; ISIiss Clara Williams, Minnesota, and 
Mrs Kate M. Llewelyn, California. 

David Richards, sculptor, Chicago, is a worthy 
representative of the race in the Fine Arts. The late 
Tom Evans, Welsh Hills, Ohio, distinguished himself 

.^02 



as a sculptor. The Columbus State Legislature 
appropriated the sum of $'2,600 to the gifted artist for 
his beautiful group of Grant, Lee, Sherman and 
others. J. E. Lewis, Ansonia, Connecticut, is widely 
known as an Astronomical Photographer. The fol- 
lowing college presidents and professors are Welsh- 
men : Ex-Chancellor W. C. Roberts, New York ; 
Dr E. D. Morris and Dr W. H. Roberts, Lane Semin- 
ary, Cincinnati, Ohio; Prof Price,- Columbia College; 
Prof D. J. Evans, Athens, Ohio; Dr W. D. Davies, 
Wesleyan University, Delaware, Ohio; Prof. Ralph 
Thomas, Colgate University, New York, and others. 
A large number of Welshmen have honored the Medi- 
cal Profession. The following are worthy examples: 
Dr John Morgan, who founded, in 1765, the Medical 
School in connection with the University of Pennsyl- 
vania, the oldest of its class in the United States. 
Dr ^Morgan filled in this institution the first medical 
professorship created in America. Dr Isaac Jones, 
San Francisco ; Dr David Owen Thomas, Minneapolis; 
Dr J, D. Thomas, Professor in the Medical Depart- 
ment of the Western University, Pittsburg, Pennsyl- 
vania ; Dr. Whyte Glendower Owen, Louisiana, and 
others. 

The following are some of the prominent Welsh 
American Clergymen: President Jonathan Edwards, 
the noted Theologian; Revs. David Jones, Chaplain 
under General Wayne in the Revolutionary Army; 
Enoch Morgan, Welsh Tract; Abel Morgan, Penypec; 
Benjamin Grifiiths, Montgomery; T. C. Edwards, 
Kingston; Hugh Davies, Scranton, Pennsylvania; 
John Williams and his famous -son W. R. Williams, 

303 



William Rowlands, W. Parker Morgan Erasmus. W. 
Jones, New York; and Dr. Fred Evans, Milwaukee, 
Wisconsin. Other eminent Welsh Americans are 
Elihu Yale, founder of Yale University, born at Plas 
lal, Denbighshire; Horatio Gates Jones, Statesman 
and Historian; Ex Indian Commissioner General T. 
J. Morgan, son of Rev. Lewis Morgan, one of the 
founders of Franklin College, Indiana; J. R. Llorgan, 
President of the Morgan Engineering Company, 
Alliance, Ohio, a worthy representative of the large 
number of Welsh American Mechanics; R. T. Morgan, 
Wisconsin; John Jarret, of the Manufacturers' Asso- 
ciation, Pittsburg, and Ex United States Consul, 
Birmingham, England; Miles Humphreys, Chief of 
Pittsburg Fire Department; Daniel L. Jones, William 
Miles, and David Jones New York. 

The Welsh are skilled workmen. The annual 
report of the United States Commissioners of Labor 
for 1 893-1 894 gives the following interesting figures 
concerning the relative wages earned by various nation- 
alities. The average yearly wages of Welsh skilled 
workmen is $614 ; next comes the Scotch, who earn 
$572 ; the Germans, $569 ; the Irish, $551 ; the Eng- 
lish, $534 ; the Americans, $520 ; the French, $465. 
The Welshman is |8o ahead of the Englishman. 

Among the many Welsh-American inventors we 
find Oliver Evans, of Philadelphia, who conceived 
the idea of propelling boats with his engines by 
means of wheels at the sides, and afterwards applied 
it to propelling carriages and boats ; and Jacob Rees, 
who invented an excellent phosphate from the slag, 
from basic steel. This phosphate is in great demand. 

304 



A single shipment of the phosphate from Philadelphia 
to Germany contained 100,000 tons. 

The Welsh in America assimilate quickly with the 
American spirit. They loose no time in declaring 
their intention to become Americans, and when that 
privilege is conferred upon them, they prize it at it§ 
real worth. They are proud of America and are 
quick to resent an insult to her institutions. They 
are principally Republicans in politics. It is esti- 
mated that ninety per cent, of them belong to this 
party. A Welsh Democrat is nearly an unknown 
quantity in American politics. Some Welshmen, 
however, are enrolled among the staunchest Demo- 
crats. 

The Welshman is a Republican by conviction 
and education. The platform of the Republican 
Party agrees in the main with the political ideas that 
he has always cherished and fostered in the Father- 
land. He believes that the Republican Party is a 
stronger ally of the workingman and his interests 
than the Democratic Party. For him, the Democratic 
Party stands in place of the Tory Party in Wales — 
a party that has seldom cared to understand and 
respond to the workingman's aspirations and needs. 
With the exception of the Republican Party's 
position on the Tariff question, Republicanism in 
America and Liberalism in Wales mean one and the 
same thing to the average Welshman — and justly so. 
Notwithstanding this loyal devotion to the Republi- 
can principles, they have received scarcely any 
recognition by the Republican Party. General James 
said : The Welsh have been for years the hewers of 

305 



wood and the carriers of water for the Republican 
Party without even receiving thanks for their pains. 
It would be a great deal better if there were among 
them more Democrats. Most Welshmen will admire 
the candor of this utterance, but probably they would 
not care to follow its advice. 

in a vigorous article in the North American ''Re- 
view," for November, 1893, Mr Owen, the sturdiest 
of Welsh Democrats expressed a similar sentiment. 
He intimated that the Welsh are hoodwinked by 
Republican orators, and that they do too little inde- 
pendent thinking. There is doubtless some truth in 
this statement, but all who are acquainted with 
the Welsh in America know that it is unwarranted 
in the sense used here. Perhaps no people as a class 
are better versed in the great political issues of the 
day; and hitherto they are strongly convinced that the 
Republican Party is their truest exponent. When 
the Welsh change their political faith, which at pres- 
ent, is improbable, some will become Democrats but 
the majority will probably join the Independents. 
Mr Owens gives the following estimate of the Welsh 
vote in some of the States : Pennsylvania, thirty-nine 
and one-half per cent ; Ohio, fifteen per cent ; Wis. 
cousin, nine per cent ; New York, eleven per cent. 

The Cambro-American is faithful to the tradi- 
tional thrift of his race. The representative Welsh 
Beneficial Society of America is the Order of true 
Ivorites, named in honor of Ivor Hael, (Ivor the 
Generous) patriot and philanthropist. The chief 
officers for the year 1893-94 are: President, W. W. 
George, Utica ; Vice President, Hugh E. Morris, 

306 



Bangor ; Treasurer, Henry P. Davies, Scranton, 
Pa. ; Secretary, D. P. Thomas, Scranton, Pa. The 
Order has . 2024 members in good standing, and 
the sum of $42,491 to its credit. From its incep- 
tion, 26 years ago, the sum of $37,000 has been 
contributed towards funeral expenses. $9,500 have 
been spent in charities, while the sum of $126,000 
have been disbursed in sick benefits. This order is 
in a vigorous condition. St. David's Societies are 
numerous in America. They exist for social and 
philanthropic purposes. There are thriving societies 
in New York City, Utica and Buffalo, N. Y. ; Scran- 
ton, Pittsburg and Philadelphia, Pa. ; Youngstown, 
O. ; Racine, Wis. ; Chicago, 111. ; Denver, Col. etc. 
The Philadelphia Society is the oldest. Here's an 
extract from its charter : "I was a stranger and ye 
took me not in," is an address that few minds can 
contemplate without emotions of horror, and which 
even the misanthrope will rather depreciate than 
envy. Although the wretches of no clime or con- 
dition should be excluded from our aid and 
commiseration, yet we hold the maxim to be both 
just and natural that those of the country and people 
of our ancestors have claims of far greater sensibility 
and of stronger obligations than others." The New 
York St. David's Benevolent Society was formed by 
Welsh members of the Albion Benevolent Society. 
*'Both of these organizations had a very brief existence. 
At the dissolution of the first named society its funds, 
were divided among the members who organized the 
Ancient Britons' Benefit Society. In November, 1835, 
St David's Benefit and Benevolent Societv was organ- 



Z^l 



ized ; its first President was General Morgan Lewis, 
the son of Francis Lewis, one of the signers of the 
Declaration of Independence." The others are of 
recent date. 

The Welsh may not be so methodical in their work 
of benevolence among immigrants as the Jews and 
Swiss, but what is done is effected in the most unosten- 
tatious manner. Not only do they give the needy 
money, but they assist them in finding employment, 
and otherwise exercise a kindly interest in their 
future welfare. The Eisteddfod is entered into with 
all the zest peculiar to the home gathering. Ameri- 
cans take a lively interest in the industrial, political, 
social and moral welfare of Wales. Their American- 
ism is unquestionable, and is stronger because of this 
tender interest in the land of their birth. When Dr 
T. C. Edwards, then President of Abei;ystwith Uni- 
versity, South Wales visited America during the sum- 
mer of 1 891, he asked his kinsmen to furnish the 
library of the New University at Aberystwith, that 
was to replace the one that was just destroyed by fire. 
They gave him the sum of $5,260.50. 

Welsh morality in America will compare favorably 
with the famed home article. The average Welsh 
Immigrant brings with him a strong love of liberty 
and religion. It is very rarely that one finds a Welsh- 
man in the saloon business. The percentage of Welsh 
criminals and paupers is insignificant. The following 
figures may be of interest: Of 57,310 white prisoners 
in the United States in 1890, 40,471 were native born, 
15,932 were foreigners, and 907 unknown, Of this 
number 178 were born in Wales, 128 had Welsh 

308 



fathers and mothers, and 35 were born of Welsh 
fathers or Welsh mothers. The fathers of 23 prisoners 
were born in Wales and of mothers 12 out of 22 who 
had Welsh fathers, the mothers of seven of them were 
born in England, two in France and one in Germany, 
ten in Ireland and two in Scotland, of 14 prisoners 
who had Welsh mothers, the fathers of seven were 
born in England, five in Ireland, one in Scotland, and 
one in Switzerland. One prisoner's father was born 
in Wales, while the birthplace of his mother was 
unknown. 

According to "Statistics of Prisoners published in 
1892, collected by the Wardens' Association of the 
United States and Canada," there were in 1890, 9,859 
prisoners in the United States Penitentiaries. Of 
this number there were only 14 Welshmen. In refer- 
ring to the different traits of the various nationalities, 
the author of this valuable work says: "Our list 
shows, for instance, that of fourteen Welshmen, only 
seven were convicted of crimes against property, 
whereas of forty-four Scotchmen, as many as thirty- 
eight were convicted of such crimes. A larger per- 
centage of crimes against the person is committed by 
the Irish than by the Germans. Of seventeen Hun- 
garians reported ten are convicted of crimes against 
the person, and among ninety-nine Italians reported, 
sixty-one are of the came class. Here the usual order 
is reserved. Some of the other nations, on the con- 
trary, show a larger percentage of crimes against 
property than the average." 

In the Poor farms of the United States in 1890, we 
find 512 inmates born in Wales, sixty-eight born of 

309 



purely Welsh parents and eight born of either Welsh 
fathers or mothers. Of the eight who were born of 
semi-Welsh parentage, one father was from England, 
one from Ireland and one from Germany; of the 
mothers one was born in England and four in Ireland. 
Pennsylvania has by all odds the largest Welsh popu- 
lation of all the States, and would be an excellent 
State to test Welsh thrift and morality in America. 
During the statistical year ending September 30th, 
1892, 12,381 adults were admitted into the various 
Almshouses of the State, and the nativity of 12,341 
of that number was given; of said 12,341, 138 or 1.12 
per cent, were reported to have been Welsh. These 
■ facts bear excellent testimony to the traditional thrift 
of the Welsh. Of the 1,100 prisoners confined in the 
Eastern Penitentiary at present, there are only two 
natives of Wales. These 1,100 prisoners come from 
thirty-three counties. Of the prisoners received into 
the Western Penitentiary during 1891, ten were from 
England, nine males and one female, sixteen from 
Ireland, two from Scotland and one from Wales. 

Chaplain Milligan writes the following in reply to 
enquiries of mine: "I think that you will not find a 
large per cent, of Welshmen among the criminals con- 
fined in prisons. In the thirty-three counties which 
make up this Judicial district for Western Pennsyl- 
vania, there must be a large Welsh population, and 
yet it is rare that we receive a native of Wales." Of 
the 4,227 prisoners received during the year 1892 
into the Allegheny County Workhouse 68r were from 
Ireland, 250 from Germany, 217 from England, sixty- 
two from Scotland and fifty-four from Wales. Of the 

310 



597 "^vho could neither read nor write twenty-seven 
were from England, 156 from Ireland, four from Scot- 
land and sixteen from Wales. These figures go far 
to prove that the thrift and morality of Welsh Ameri- 
cans are beyond question. 

They are known religiously as Calvinistic Method- 
ists, Congregationalists, Baptists and Wesleyans; but 
many thousands of them are among the best 
workers in American Churches, notably the Pres- 
byterian, Baptist and Methodist Episcopal. Dr 
W. H. Roberts, late professor at Lane Seminary, 
stated in a recent address that there are five hundred 
Welshmen occupying Presbyterian pulpits, many of 
whom are among the most distinguished Educators 
and Preachers of that body. The contribution of the 
Welsh to the Baptist and Methodist churches is not 
much less striking and important. The Welsh Cal- 
vinistic ]\Iethodists (Presbyterians) report 185 
churches, 12,000 communicants and about 25,000 
adherents. The first Welsh Presbyterian Church was 
organized at Penycaerau, Remsen, Oneida Co., New 
York, in 1826. 

The Welsh Congregationalists report 183 churches, 
with an approximate membership of 12,000. They 
report 1 1 1 ministers. The first Welsh Congregational 
church in America was organized at Ebensburg, 
Pennsylvania, in 1797. At present this body wor- 
ships in the English language. The present oldest 
Welsh Congregational Church is located at Utica, 
New York, and was organized in 1802. The Welsh 
Baptists report seventy churches, between 4,000 and 
5,000 members and forty-three ministers. The first 

311 



Welsh Baptist church was organized at Carbondale, 
Pennsylvania. This interesting church disbanded 
recently. The Welsh M. E. (Wesleyans) are weak in 
America. They have five churches, 400 members 
and 800 adherents. These church figures are only 
approximately correct. It is exceedingly difficult to 
secure correct statistics of these churches. 

The Welsh in America are visited almost annually 
by eminent preachers from Wales. On these auspicious 
occasions, the various denominations unite in union 
services. The meetings are made great in every 
particular. The eloqiient presentation of the Gospel 
by these Ministerial Nestors is greatly enjoyed. 
These visits have proven, in many instances, apostolic 
in purpose, zeal and blessing. 



312 



APPENDIX. 



Wales is situated southwest of Great Britain. The 
extreme length of the country from the southern parts 
of Glamorganshire to the northern parts of Flintshire 
is about 140 miles, and its extreme width from St 
David's, Pembrokeshire, to the eastern parts of Bre- 
conshire is one hundred miles. It has an area of 
7,378 square miles or about 4,720,000 acres. 

The physical configurations of the country are 
exceptionally strong. For mountains, hills, vales, 
rivers and streams she is second to no country. Her 
seaboards are excellent. The country abounds in 
minerals of every description. Her coal deposits are 
well nigh inexhaustible. 

The little Principality boasts of three state-aided 
Colleges and a National University empowered to 
grant degrees. In Religion, her people are prin- 
cipally Nonconformists. She has a State Church 
where the minority worship. Its Bishoprics are: St 
David's, Llandaflf, St Asaph, and Bangor. 

The recent census of the United Kingdom which 
was taken the first Sunday in April, 1891, has just 
been published. The census of Wales, which includes 
Monmoutshire is as follows: — 

Population i ,776,405 

Persons who speak English 759,416 

Persons who speak Welsh 508,036 

Persons who speak Welsh and English 402,253 

Other tongues 3,076 

Languages unknown 1 2,833 

Children under two y^ars of age 9o.79i 

3^3 



It will be seen that there were strong reasons for 
complaint made at the time of census-taking, that there 
was gross neglect in distributing the census papers, as 
there are 12,833 who failed to record the language 
they spoke. The following is the population accord- 
ing to counties: 

WELSH. ENGLISH. BILINGUAL. 

Monmoutshire 9,816 217,664 29,743 

Glamorganshire 142,346 326,481 177,726 

Carmarthenshire 63,345 ",751 3^,937 

Pembrokeshire 13, 773 5IJ959 10,804 

Cardiganshire 61,624 3)979 17,112 

Breconshire 5,228 31,086 13,699 

Radnorshire 75 15,270 924 

Montgomeryshire 16,414 31,77° 15,846 

Flintshire 10,484 12,862 16,879 

Denbighshire 37,195 88,310 35,030 

Merionethshire 45,856 3,261 12,023 

Carnarvonshire 78,780 12,604 28,330 

Anglesea 23,200 2,059 7, 201 

These figures indicate that the old tongue is still 
intrenched in the Principality. They show that the 
Bilingualists have made steady gains, and the indi- 
cations are that the majority of the future inhabi- 
tants of Wales will be conversant with Welsh and 
English. At present the Welsh-speaking population 
number 100,000 and upwards more than the Bilin- 
gualists. Considering these facts, the agitation for 
Welsh in the various Schools and Courts of Law 
is reasonable. Glamorganshire is the largest Welsh 
county and Radnorshire the smallest. 

During the last decade the mining and iron cen- 
tres have enjoyed considerable increase ; the agricult- 
ural counties on the other hand have sustained a seri- 
ous decrease. The exodus from the country to the 

314 



town has been general. Of the boroughs of Wales, 
Cardiff shows the greatest increase. The growth of 
this town in population and business has been 
remarkable. 

The Welsh population of English cities is import- 
ant. According to the census just published, (1893) 
there were 101,010 males and 228,616 females, a total 
of 329,626 Welshmen born in Wales, who reside at 
present in England. Of this number 31,292 reside 
in London. It will be interesting to state that the 
number of Scotchmen in London is 53,390 and Irish- 
men 66,465. Liverpool contains 17,449, Birkenhead 
5,645, Manchester 6,764, Salford 2,699, Bristol 6,071, 
Birmingham 3,642. These figures do not include the 
Welshmen who were born in England. It is said that 
Liverpool alone contains 100,000 persons who bear 
Welsh names. 

These figures show Wales to be in a vigorous con- 
dition. Her population has increased during the last 
decade in the same proportion as the population of 
Ireland has decreaeed. The census of 1841 showed 
Ireland's population to be 8,196,597, while that of 
1891 showed it to be 4,706,162, a decrease of 9.05 
per cent, since 1881. In fifty years Ireland lost 
4,706,162 of her population, something like 45.58 per 
cent., nearly half her inhabitants. The decrease is 
phenomenal. The greatest decrease took place dur- 
ing the last decade. 

The Welsh were among the earliest and most im- 
portant settlers of America. Owing to the lack of 
reliable data, it is impossible to give a correct estimate 
of their numbers. Prior to the year 1820, no records 
were kept of arrivals from foreign lands. 

315 



I am indebted for the following statement of the 

foreien born Welsh residents in America to Rev. E. 

C. Evans' judicious compilation of the various census 
reports from 1850 to 1890, which appeared in his 
magazine, "The Cambrian," May 1893: 

1850. i860. 1870. 1880. 1890. 

North Atlantic Division 17,083 22,471 38,084 39,798 51,081 

Maine 60 88 279 283 215 

New Hampshire 11 14 27 21 79 

Vermont 57 3^4 5^5 5 H 959 

Massachusetts 214 320 576 873 i ,527 

Rhode Island 12 19 56 167 194 

Connecticut m 176 288 407 629 

New York 7.5^2 7,998 7,856 7,223 8,108 

New Jersey 116 371 804 863 1,069 

Pennsylvania..- 8,920 1,301 27,633 29,447 38,301 

South Atlantic Division 511 1,436 1,626 1,632 1,787 

Delaware 17 3° 43 5^ 63 

Maryland 260 701 994 924 761 

District of Columbia 20 28 29 56 71 

Virginia I 173 • 5^4 148 135 300 

West Virginia | 321 369 398 

North Carolina 7 20 10 12 23 

South Carolina 10 11 11; 10 7 

Georgia 13 56 60 52 108 

Florida u 6 6 23 56 

North Central Division 11,715 18,852 29,427 33,383 34,403 

Ohio 5.849 8,365 12,939 13,763 12,905 

Indiana 169 226 556 927 888 

Illinois 572 1,528 3,146 3,694 4,138 

Michigan 127 348 558 830 769 

Wisconsin 4-319 6,454 6,550 5,352 4,297 

Minnesota 2 422 944 1,103 i'470 

Iowa 2 422 944 1,103 1,470 

Missouri 352 913 i>967 3.031 3,6oi 

North Dakota f 3 108 

South Dakota J i^i 205 695 

Nebraska 1 128 220 624 1,182 

Kansas t 163 1 ,020 2,088 2,488 

South Central Division 341 693 918 1,168 1,988 

Kentucky 171 420 347 394 380 

316 



Tennessee 

Alabama 

Mississippi 

Louisiana 

Texas 

Oklahoma , 

Arkansas 

Western Division , 

Montana 

Wyoming 

Colorado 

New Mexico 

Arizona 

Utah 

Nevada 

Idaho 

Washington 

Oregon 

California 



[850 
67 



17 



;is 



182 



Total 29,868 45,76 



South Atlantic Division 511 

North Central Division 11,715 

South Central Division 341 

Western Division 318 



Total 29, { 



i860 


1870 


1S80 


1890 


86 


314 


302 


620 


11 


39 


69 


398 


21 


25 


12 


21 


97 


114 


71 


99 


48 


55 


221 


321 
19 


10 


24 


99 


130 


2,3" 


4,475 


7,321 


10,820 




197 


246 


719 




58 


154 


533 


3S 


165 


1,212 


2,082 


2 


9 


28 


122 




3 


57 


85 


945 


1,783 


2,390 


2,387 


21 


301 


315 


212 




335 


641 


790 


n 


44 


193 


1,676 


32 


63 


165 


374 


1,262 


1.517 


1,920 


1,860 


45.763 


74,530 


83,302 


100,079 


22,471 


38,084 


39,798 


51,081 


1,436 


1,626 


1,632 


1,787 


18,852 


29,427 


33,383 


34,403 


693 


918 


1,168 


1,988 


2,31 1 


4,475 


7,321 


10,820 



45.763 74,530 83,302 100,079 



The North Atlantic division contains the largest 
foreign bom Welsh, and South Carolina the smallest, 
the number being seven. Of the cities Scranton 
contains the largest Welsh population. The city of 
Mobile, Alabama, contains one solitary Welshman. 
The following are the principal Welsh centres: Chi- 
cago, 1,613; Cleveland, 1,318; Pittsburg, 2,518; Scran- 
ton, 4,890; Utica, 1,314; Wilkesbarre, 1,922; Youngs- 
town, 1,569; New York City, 965; Brooklyn, 510; 
Philadelphia, 935, and Allegheny City, 829. It is 



317 



safe to say that these figures are far from being cor- 
rect. Pittsburg for instance is credited with 2,518 
foreign born Welsh. Those competent to judge tell 
me that 5,000 would be a moderate estimate of the 
foreign born Welsh of that city. The same is doubt- 
less true in some measure of the other cities. As these 
figures do not include the native Welsh population 
they necessarily give an imperfect idea of the number 
of Welsh in America. In some Welsh centres the 
native Welsh are much stronger than the foreign 
born. This is particularly true of the agricultural 
settlements. 

Rev. W. R. Evans, Peniel, Ohio, says: "I live in 
an agricultural district, probably the largest Welsh 
settlement in America. We have seventeen Welsh 
churches where the services are conducted every Sab- 
bath in the language of Gwyllt Walia." But from 
personal observations, I can assure the reader that not 
more than one in ten of the Welsh population were 
born in Wales. My parents came to the settlement 
fifty-five years ago. The family numbered five at that 
time. Now the survivors and descendants exceed 
fifty. Other families show much greater increase. 
There is hardly a Welsh settlement where the foreign 
born out-number the native born. The census report 
for 1890 puts the total Welsh population in the 
United States, foreign born and native, at 100,079. 
Their actual strength must be nearer a million. Con- 
servative judges place the number at 750,000. 



LtJa'3l 3'^ 



LIBRARY OF CONGRESS 



021 397 910 3 



/,...,.. 



,',",. ' . ..,'. '..'/lA •♦. ■ , 'v. 

" . '. ,,/.■,■-..■ ,:<;'-,V.v^.'.;.V: • ■. 
■,. , •,. .'•'.• v.-. ■.:rut. : . ■ 
,V,'. v/Avv...^. ■.■!^;k::i(S:; 

'., "'f • 

• ■'•■-•• i"^yvAv^/"^T^/--. 




